”A transnational constituency brings voters further from the European Parliament, not closer” said Mr Hökmark regarding the current discussion on proposed changes to the European Parliament electoral procedure. Mr Hökmark sees no reason to create an abstract, hypothetical European demos.
The proposals would see 25 additional MEPs, elected by pan-European political parties rather than national ones, representing one transnational constituency. These would be added to the current 751 MEPs. A pan-European electoral authority would also be created to oversee the elections.
Any changes would be subject to an amendment to the Treaty which would have to be ratified by all Member states before it can enter into force in time for the elections in 2014.
The European Parliament is expected to vote the report on electoral reform in June.