BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – The European Parliament has launched the second phase of its communication campaign, emphasizing the importance of voting and safeguarding democracy. This initiative comes as more than 370 million people across 27 Member States are set to vote in the European elections between 6 and 9 June 2024.
The campaign, tagged “Use Your Vote. Or others will decide for you,” underscores the significance of democracy. It employs a multifaceted approach, including media events, digital outreach, involvement of public and private partners, community engagement initiatives, and educational programmes designed to resonate with citizens across the EU.
A key component of the outreach efforts is a 4-minute film titled “Use your vote.” The film features testimonies from senior citizens across different EU countries, sharing their stories about democracy with the next generations and emphasizing that this democratic right cannot be taken for granted.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stressed the importance of voting, stating, “European Union democracy is more important today than ever. Everyone’s vote matters. It will decide the direction our Union will take for the five coming years. It will decide what Europe we want to live in.”
As the European Union faces evolving challenges and with the June 2024 elections approaching, the European Parliament reaffirms its commitment to fostering dialogue, unity, and active citizenship. The campaign serves as a powerful reminder that democracy is a precious legacy that must be nurtured and defended by all.
Jaume Duch, the European Parliament’s spokesperson, emphasized the collective responsibility towards democracy, stating, “We are more united in European democracy than we might think: across nations, political sensitivities and across generations. In our polarised times, this is easy to forget and our campaign is made to remind us of what unites us.”
The campaign’s central video further explores the history of many European countries that have experienced armed conflict or limits on individual freedom, highlighting the precarious nature of democracy if not actively sustained.
Interest in the EU elections is on the rise, with the EP’s Spring 2024 Eurobarometer survey showing that 60% of Europeans are interested in the 6-9 June 2024 elections, an increase of eleven points from spring 2019. Additionally, 71% say that it is likely that they will vote, a ten-point increase from the last time.
The film ‘Use your vote’ and nine other versions for TV, cinema, radio, and social media will be released in all Member States from 29 April 2024.
