The great countdown: A guide on how to arrive prepared for the European elections 2029

An essential guide for shaping the future of participatory democracy

As Europe digests the pivotal 2024 elections, The Great Countdown emerges as an essential guide for shaping the future of participatory democracy. This publication offers a comprehensive analysis of the elections’ outcomes, their impact on European integration, and actionable insights to improve democratic processes.

Drawing on the “Living up to, not leaving aside” project brought together by the FES EU Office in collaboration with FEPS, this collection features pioneering research, expert debates, and first-hand insights gathered over 18 months. Highlights include analyses of European manifestoes, the evolving role of Spitzenkandidaten, and the dynamics within europarties. It also delves into the opportunities for reforming electoral laws and strategies to enhance citizen engagement.

Uniting diverse perspectives, this volume challenges decision-makers and progressives to learn from the 2024 elections and take bold steps to strengthen democracy. Keeping in mind the 2024 European elections, The Great Countdown is both a reflection on lessons learned and a roadmap for change. The time to act is now—2029 is closer than we think.

The video series “Ahead of the 2029 European elections”, based on the policy briefs of the same title, explores key reforms to strengthen transnational EU politics and prepare for the 2029 EU elections with Members of the European Parliament including:

• Gabriele Bischoff on EU elections
• Brando Benifei on the Conference on the Future of Europe
• Juan Fernando López Aguilar on citizen participation in the EU
• Katarina Barley on representation of women in the European Parliament
• Andreas Schieder on transnational European parties

All videos are accessible here on FEPS' youtube channel.

For more information, please reach out to Marco Schwarz, Policy Officer for Democracy, Rule of Law, and EU Enlargement: marco.schwarz(at)fes.de 

Read the policy study here: The great countdown: A guide on how to arrive prepared for the European elections 2029 by Alvaro Oleart, Anna Pacześniak, Wouter Wolfs, Domenec Ruiz Devesa, Julian Plottka, Ania Skrzypek