The low turnout reported in the first European elections that took place in Romania on Sunday was nothing exceptional among other EU countries and follows a trend that has been visible back home for years. As long as the EP elections are concerned, Romania falls in the lower ranks among EU member states in terms of turnout.

Romania is the seventh biggest country in the EU considering the number of seats it receives in the European Parliament (35), following Germany (99), Britain, France, Italy, Spain and Poland (54).

Turnout for the 2004 European elections

Under 30%:

Czech Republic 28, 3%

Poland 20, 8%

Slovakia 16, 9%

Slovenia 28, 3%

Estonia 26, 8

30% to 50%:

Austria 42, 4%

Denmark 47, 9%

Finland 39, 4%

France 42, 7%

Germany 43, 0%

Hungary 38, 5%

Latvia 41, 3%

Lithuania 48, 3%

Netherlands 39, 3%

Portugal 38, 6%

Spain 45, 1%

Sweden 37, 8%

United Kingdom 38, 9%

Over 50%:

Belgium 90, 8%

Cyprus 71, 1%

Greec 63, 4%

Ireland 59, 7%

Italy 73, 1%

Luxembourg 90, 0%

Malta 82, 3%

Bucharest turnout, 2004 elections:

First round: 52,38%

Second round: 51,31%

Bucharest turnout, May 2007 referendum to remove President Basescu from office:

41,02%

The low turnout reported in the first European elections that took place in Romania on Sunday was nothing exceptional among other EU countries and follows a trend that has been visible back home for years. As long as the EP elections are concerned, Romania falls in the lower ranks among EU member states in terms of turnout.

Romania is the seventh biggest country in the EU considering the number of seats it receives in the European Parliament (35), following Germany (99), Britain, France, Italy, Spain and P