ALBAWABA- On Sunday, polling stations opened across Europe as voters from 20 countries cast their ballots on the final day of the European Parliament elections. The elections are expected to shift the EU's parliament to the right, potentially reshaping the world's largest trading bloc.
Key issues influencing voters include the war in Ukraine, climate policy impacts on farmers, and migration. This voting concludes a four-day cycle that began in the Netherlands on Thursday.
Official results will be released after Italy's polls close at 11 p.m. (2100 GMT), with initial estimates expected around 1615 GMT and final results on Monday.
An exit poll suggested significant gains for Geert Wilders' anti-migrant party in the Netherlands, though a pro-European coalition likely pushed it into second place.
These elections also mark the start of a period of political uncertainty as new alliances form within the parliament and governments vie for top EU roles, including the presidency of the European Commission.
Surveys indicate mainstream and pro-European parties will retain a majority, but the hard right, including leaders like Wilders and France's Marine Le Pen, is expected to gain more seats.
The center-right European People’s Party (EPP) has shifted towards traditional far-right issues, including security and tougher migration laws.
