The elections to the European Parliament were held between 23 and 26 May. This time more than 50% of EU citizens eligible to vote took part in the elections, the highest turnout in 20 years and the first time since the first direct elections in 1979 that turnout has increased.

Numbers increased in 21 countries, going up more than 10 percentage points in seven.The largest increase occurred in Poland - it grew from 23.83% in 2014 to 45.68 percent in 2019.

With the elections over, newly-elected MEPs must consider which political group to join or form in the Parliament. The groups include members from various countries who share political affinities.

Political groups enjoy certain advantages such as more influence and speaking time, but must meet certain requirements, including consisting of at least 25 MEPs from at least seven member states.

Political parties put forward candidates for the post of president of the European Commission ahead of the European elections. The lead candidate nominated by the Council, and able to command a majority in Parliament, will be elected President of the European Commission by a vote of Parliament.

The lead candidates are sometimes referred to by the German term spitzenkandidaten. This system was first used in 2014 to select current Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

Based on the election results, the lead candidates will now try to form a majority in Parliament to support their bid. Meanwhile EU heads of state and government will meet for a summit in Brussels to discuss the elections results and start the nomination process for Commission president, as well as the heads of other EU institutions The Council aims to nominate the new leaders by June.