South European integration watch : the Maltese electorate turns a new leaf? The first European Parliament election in Malta

Abstract

Malta's first European Parliament election was as hotly contested as the national elections. Turnout was third highest in the EU. The traditionally pro-EU Nationalist Party in government secured only two of the five seats contested, while the Opposition MLP, which up to last year opposed membership, took the other three. Since November 2003, the MLP has changed course on Europe and has joined the Party of European Socialists. Voter participation and a revealed preference towards candidates with Europeanist credentials show that support for EU membership has solidified, as supported by public opinion surveys. Support for the EU has increased from just under 53 per cent to around 80 per cent, enabling Malta to steer a steadier course in the EU.