European elections 'really matter'

By Brian Taylor BBC Scotland political editor

Here is a conundrum. European issues are right at the very top of the contemporary political agenda - yet the common perception is that the elections to the European Parliament are a big yawn.

Consider - the EU has just expanded to the east, taking in 10 new members largely drawn from the previous Soviet bloc. It is nothing less than a structural realignment of global significance.

European parliament chamber where MEPs will sit

In response, the union has proposed a new constitution to help it cope with its new size. The constitution itself is politically controversial, a core dividing line between parties.

In addition, there is the background issue of whether, and when, Britain might join the Single European Currency.

There is the political division manifest within the EU over the war in Iraq. There is the issue of Scotland's voice in European circles.

Admittedly, the EU can seem permanently in a state of flux, and some of those issues, like Scotland's stake, are constants rather than merely contemporary.

But seldom can there have been circumstances in which Europe was so politically contentious.

And yet, few expect the turnout in Scotland on 10 June to top the level at the last Euro elections in 1999 when it was a miserable 24.7%.

Why? Perhaps three reasons. Firstly, politics generally is in disrepute with turnout down at Holyrood and Westminster elections too.

What is at stake?

Secondly, voters do not appear to connect the European Parliament with their core interests. They find it divorced from their domestic concerns.

Thirdly, no-one can pretend that Scotland's seven MEPs - or even the UK's 78 - will dominate a parliament of 732 members.

Now, I would argue that participation is important, that elections are determined by those who turn up, that the European Parliament plays an increasingly important role within an EU body politic which is hugely significant to our lives.

But, equally, I am realistic enough to acknowledge the challenge.

So what is at stake? The expansion of the EU has meant a slight reduction in the representation from existing member countries in order to keep the size of the parliament within bounds.

1999 RESULTS Labour - three MEPs with 28.68% of the vote SNP - two MEPs with 27.17% of the vote Conservatives - two MEPs with 19.76% of the vote Lib Dems - one MEP with 9.81% of the vote

So the UK's stake in the EP has shrunk from 87 to 78 members.

The number of MEPs from Scotland has been cut by one, from eight to seven. As in 1999, all Scotland's members come from a single list.

That is because voting for the European Parliament in the UK is via a proportional list system. In regions across the UK, you pick the party you favour.

Those parties then get seats in accordance with their regional share of the popular vote. Scotland has been designated a single UK "region".

From Shetland to Stranraer, we will all be invited to cast our votes for Scotland-wide party lists.

Elections to the European Parliament take place in June

The Scottish result will be declared on Monday 14 June, after people in the rest of Europe have cast their votes on their customary polling day, Sunday.

In England on 10 June there are also local council elections plus polling for the Greater London Authority and London Mayor.

In addition, postal balloting is being piloted in parts of England. It is thought these factors will increase turnout.

Such benefits will not automatically spread to Scotland although perhaps the proportionally higher UK media profile will help.

Here comes an utterly trite statement, only justified by the possible low turnout - Europe really does matter.

Holding on

The EU has enormous power over all our lives. Within that, the European Parliament has real influence over the environment, transport, employment law, agriculture, fishing. These elections matter.

Plus, there is the continuing controversy over the nature of the European Union. Is it turning into a superstate? Or does it remain an agglomeration of member nations? What is the role for the UK government? For a devolved Scotland? For an independent Scotland? These elections matter.

It will be noted that Labour gained three seats - one more than the Scottish National Party - with only a fractionally higher share of the vote.

The Tories did well to take two and the Liberal Democrats gained their first ever MEP from Europe.

With one fewer MEP to be elected from Scotland this time, that leaves each of the majors fighting to hold what they have - while the significant minor parties snap at their heels.