Europeans vote, with EU future in balance

SUMMARY

Europeans vote on Sunday in an election expected to further dent traditional pro-EU parties and bolster the nationalist fringe in the European Parliament, putting a potential brake on collective action in economic and foreign policy.

By ReutersMay 26, 2019 1:11:41 PM IST (Published)

Europeans vote on Sunday in an election expected to further dent traditional pro-EU parties and bolster the nationalist fringe in the European Parliament, putting a potential brake on collective action in economic and foreign policy. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

European Commission Vice-President for the Euro and Social Dialogue Valdis Dombrovskis casts his vote during European Parliament election in Riga. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

Polls opened at 7 am (0400 GMT) in the east of the bloc and will finally close at 11 pm (2100 GMT) in Italy.REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

A woman reacts as she casts her vote during the European Parliament election in Riga. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

Seven states have already voted, with 21 joining in on Sunday in what is the world's biggest democratic exercise after India. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

A woman holds a child as she casts her vote during the European Parliament election in Riga. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

Right-wing populists top opinion polls in two of the big four member states - Italy and supposedly exiting Britain - and could also win in a third, France, rattling a pro-Union campaign championed by centrist President Emmanuel Macron. REUTERS/Yves Herman

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel casts his vote for the Belgian general and regional elections and for the European Parliament Elections in Limal, Belgium. REUTERS/Yves Herman