The 50.63% of Europeans that voted marked the first time since the 1st direct elections in 1979 that turnout actually increased, which was also the case in 21 out of 28 Member States. Citizens decided to replace more than 60% of the MEPs that will drive the future 2019-2024 policies. They will work organised in 9 political families, showing the diversity of the European Union. One of the topics citizens see as reinforcing the Union though, is health

With all the seats having their owners after the European Parliament elections in late May, we are happy to have in place the new formation of the only institution directly elected by European citizens. The 50.63% of Europeans that voted marked the first time since the 1st direct elections in 1979 that turnout actually increased, which was also the case in 21 out of 28 Member States. Citizens decided to replace more than 60% of the MEPs that will drive the future 2019-2024 policies. They will work organised in 9 political families, showing the diversity of the European Union.

One of the topics citizens see as reinforcing the Union though, is health. EFA is glad to see that 8 out of 22 supporters of our #ShowLeadership campaign will continue their important work in the European Parliament, while the rest will move back to their constituencies. On that basis, we will continue, as patients representatives, reaching out to the remaining and new MEPs to demonstrate the urgency to take action and  #ShowLeadership on the prevention and care of allergies and airways diseases.

In addition, the EP Interest Group on Allergy and Asthma, that EFA co-runs with the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, will enter this new legislative term with 6 re-elected MEPs.

We are looking forward to seeing a Parliament that puts our health at the center of its policies, one that empowers patients and is committed to foster better quality of life for all Europeans.