The day democracy went European 🇪🇺 On 7–10 June 1979, nine nations went to the polls together for the first European elections in history. Not to choose a national government. Not to elect a national parliament. But to vote for Europe. A continent deciding, together, what it wanted to become. A triumph of post-war European integration. That first vote started a project to make European democracy real — from the Single European Act to Maastricht, all the way to the Lisbon Treaty. 47 years on, that project is still very much alive. And we are proud of it. Let’s protect democracy. Let’s #ProtectWhatMatters
What democracy if the EU Commission is not directly voted by European voters? What democracy if the euro currency is not printed directly by the European Central Bank? What democracy after the bailing out of European banks in 2012 with 4 Billion Euros, the equivalent of the national debt of Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece altogether? What democracy after 20 years of austerity measures through fiscal treaties such as the EMS, Fiscal Compact, Six-pack (thanks to Troika - ECB, EU, and IMF!) and now Re-arm Europe? What democracy with farmers being exploited by multinational Supermarket companies and their low prices for food and drinks?
A fascinating moment to reflect on. One of the most remarkable aspects of the European project is its attempt to foster democratic participation across diverse linguistic, cultural, and national communities. The first European elections remain a powerful reminder of both the opportunities and the challenges of building shared political institutions across such diversity.
47 years. And most people still can't name a single MEP from their region. The vote happened. The connection didn't always follow. That's the work still ahead. 🇪🇺
Democracy is a principle of stable life, making authority an administration and the citizen a manager who participates in decision-making, thus strengthening belonging to the land and complete loyalty to the law, not to individuals.
Your recent “achievements” were even more impressive: GDP down by 0.2% and employment up by 0.1% in the euro area https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-euro-indicators/w/2-05062026-ap
Factual clarification regarding the metrics and governance mentioned: Sovereign Debt Metrics: The stated figure of €4 billion is mathematically incorrect by a factor of nearly 1,000. In 2012, the combined national debt of Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece exceeded €3.5 trillion (€3,500 billion), with Italy alone accounting for over €2 trillion. Monetary Authority: Under Article 128(1) of the TFEU, the ECB holds exclusive legal authority to authorize the issuance of euro banknotes. The physical production by National Central Banks is purely decentralized logistical execution under strict ECB mandates. Democratic Legitimacy: The EU Commission follows an indirect democratic model typical of parliamentary systems. Under Article 17(7) TEU, the Commission President must be formally elected by the directly voted European Parliament.