Analytical Conference – Progressive Pollsters Network

The Analytical Conference on “The European Elections 2024: the expected, the unexpected and the path forward” was held on June 11, 2024 and was the second meeting of the new Progressive Pollsters Network. It brought together leading pollsters and political analysts to discuss the the dynamics of the European elections, their results and also the expectations in regards to what issues will frame the public debate in mid/long-term.

Keynote speakers included MEP Andreas Schieder and FEPS Secretary General, László Andor, who set the stage for an in-depth analysis of the rise of the far right, demographic voting trends, and the impact of national issues on the European campaign. They recognised the immense task that the top candidate Nicolas Schmit geared, as well as the difficult circumstances in which the electoral activities had been led. That is both because of the context in which polarisation and radicalisation altered the terms of the debate, as also in which focus was on the surge of the radical right, leaving little space for very needed topics-driven conversation with citizens.

Subsequently, the programme saw two panels – chaired respectively by Maria Maltschnig, Director of  Karl-Renner-Institut and Ania Skrzypek, Director for Research and Training at FEPS. Presentations covered country-specific insights from Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden, highlighting shifts in voter behaviour, polarisation, and the influence of socio-economic issues. An interesting insight was that the main preoccupation across Europe was insecurity and the cost of living crisis, but these anxieties did not pave the way to a larger reconnect between the progressive family and voters. The conference emphasised the need for progressive narratives and practical solutions to address the poly-crises facing Europe, aiming to engage frustrated voters and counter the appeal of extremist parties.

This event, which is part of the Next Left Research Programme geared by FEPS together with the Karl-Renner-Institut, represents one of our latest innovation. It provided a comprehensive overview of the political landscape, crucial for understanding and navigating the upcoming elections.

For more information, please connect with Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director for Research and Training (ania.skrzypek@feps-europe.eu) or Céline Guedes, Project Officer (celine.guedes@feps-europe.eu)