346 national parties (without current MEPs) in EU 28 have published Lists for the next European elections. The majority of them are small parties and they won’t get  enough votes for any MEP to represent them but the European elections provide them nevertheless an opportunity to make their voice heard.

Countries with the most parties include in descending order:

As it stands now Austria’s 18 seats are divided among 5 parties; Belgium’s 21 seats are divided among 12 parties; Bulgaria’s 17 seats are divided among 6 parties, Croatian’s 11 seats are divided among 6 parties; Cyprus’ 6 seats are divided among 3 parties; Czech Republic’s 21 seats are divided among 6 parties; Denmark’s 13 seats are divided among 5 parties; Estonia’s 6 seats are divided among 4 parties; Finland’s 13 seats are divided among 6 parties; France’s 74 seats are divided among 7 parties; Germany’s 96 seats are divided among 9 parties; Greece’s 21 seats are divided among 7 parties;

Turning to the post-election phase, there is no guarantee that the candidate of the European political party that wins most votes in 2014 will automatically become the head of the Commission. Even if the European Parliament settles on a nominee, the European Council might not endorse the EP's choice. It is possible that EU governments could, for example, argue that they considered the result of the European elections when selecting not 'only' the nominee for the President of the Commission but also the contenders for the other prestigious EU jobs.

According to polls, Eurosceptics are likely to be the strongest political party in four countries: Poland (Law and Justice, 32 percent of votes); Greece (Syriza, 25 percent); Czech Republic (ANO, 25 percent); and the Netherlands (Freedom Party, 17 percent).

To constitute an official party group in the next EP, the rues state the following: “25 Members are needed to form a political group, and at least one-quarter of the Member States must be represented within the group. Members may not belong to more than one political group.”  

National parliaments can contribute actively to the good functioning of the European Union. It has never been more important that national parliaments should play a full and active role, both individually and collectively. However, much more could be achieved, within the existing Treaty structure.

The effective involvement of national parliaments is fundamental to ensuring that there is accountability, and legitimacy, for the actions of the Union.

Three key factors are determinant in national parliaments’ influence on EU policy. Availability of information, Availability of time, Ability to bind their government’s position in the Council of Ministers.

The expected turnover of MEPs, in the upcoming European elections has the potential to impact significantly on the regulatory landscape in the EU in many areas. Membership of the influential parliamentary Committees is likely to undergo many changes. Businesses and other organisations will need committed and influential politicians who can help them make their voice heard in Brussels.

1. Austria: Freitheitliche Partei Öesterreichs ( NI) 20%= 4 seats
2. Belgium: Vlaams Belang (NI) 6.4%= 1 seat
3. Bulgaria: Bulgaria bez Tsenzura (NI) 10.7%= 2 seats; Ataka (NI) 6%= 1 seat
4. Croatia: Savez za Hrvatsku (NI) 7.1%= 1 seat
5. Czech Republic: Akce nespokojenych obcanu (NI) 21.9%= 7 seats
6. Denmark: Danske Folkeparti (EFD) 26.7%= 4 seats
7. Finland: Perussomalaiset (EFD) 15%= 2 seats
8. France: Front National (NI) 23.3%= 21 seats

A true account of the role, functions and skills required of Members of the European Parliament is not laid out in any official job description.