Pro

EP elections are frequently criticised for focusing mainly on domestic political considerations and less so on the EU project as such. This proposed reform could be a step towards the Europeanisation of EP elections. (3) In the long-term, this could allow voters to express their preference for a candidate for the European Commission President (now nominated by the European Council and elected by the EP). (4) Transnational lists may also help to build the European political arena, as they would oblige European political parties to present themselves to citizens with a single political programme and a joint pool of candidates. (5)

Against

The proposal could be perceived as complicated by ordinary people, who are used to voting in a certain way, for national candidates. The reform has not received unanimous support in the European Parliament. (6) Transnational lists are criticised for potentially increasing the distance between voters and their representatives, as MEPs elected through transnational lists would not have a bond with a constituency, and for the difficulties surrounding the organisation of a European electoral campaign in different languages and a large territory. (7)

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