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Home » The European Parliament

SEP-Slovakia project

Slovak citizens´ participation in the elections to the European Parliament in 2004 was the lowest among all EU Member States. It reached approximately 17 %. No analyses of citizens´ voting behaviour from the point of their age have been conducted. However, we can assume that participation of young people between 18 and 26 was even lower than the one of middle and older generations.

The parliamentary elections of 1998 determined pro-European orientation of Slovakia. Intensive campaign among high-school and university students, attended by the third sector, predominantly, however, Council of the Slovak Youth, changed the participation level of young people in the elections significantly.

According to sociological research results (Election results prediction based on inquiring citizens leaving polls - exit-poll), the first voters participation reached the same level as other ages participation (84 %). Approximately 75 % of the young people votes supported pro-European parties (SDK, SOP, SDL). Their participation in the parliamentary elections of 1998 significantly influenced governmental change in SR.

The Slovak Republic thus experienced that young people – first voters´ participation in the elections can be influenced. Also young people participation in the elections to the EP in 2009 will depend on whether the atmosphere of equality is created as well as the idea established that participation in the elections to the EP is meaningful and important for the future of Europe.

SEP-Slovakia project´s objective is to support young people – first voters to decide to participate in the elections to the EP in 2009 through clarifying the following in a playful and active manner:

1. the European Parliament position and commitment among the EU institutions
2. processes of Slovak integration into the EU since 2004, as well as crucial factors in transforming democratic governance in Slovakia
3. Slovak MPs (14) participation in the EP operation after 2004
4. youth policies results in the EU and Slovakia (the youth mobility, volunteering, educational programmes, programmes supporting youthwork