Geopolitical Europe Pulse: perspectives on the EU elections from China, Japan, and India

21 June 2024

Following the European Parliament elections in early June, the political agenda this week was still dominated by the discussions on the top jobs in the EU for the next five years. While previous editions on the Geopolitical Europe Pulse have discussed the implications of the elections for the EU’s role as a global actor, this week’s edition changes the perspective — and brings you a roundup of commentaries and analyses from China, India, and Japan.

1. China: This piece published in the Chinese language edition of Financial Times underlines that the US might have less of a grip on the European Parliament and European policy in general. The consequences how the EU addresses critical challenges might therefore benefit countries like China or Russia, according to the argument.
   How might the political groups in the European Parliament position themselves on EU-China policy? This MERICS brief has an overview.

2. India: Just days before the EU elections, the Indian elections just finished as well, leaving Modi in a weaker position than in his previous term (an excellent overview is available in the India Watch Briefing).

   As strengthening EU-India relations has been a priority in the last years for both sides, a potentially more protectionist position of the European Parliament could complicate negotiations on a free trade agreement, but “right-leaning economic policies in both regions could open up new avenues for partnership”, as both might share a focus on deregulation and trade, according to this article. Further potential for cooperation is seen in the field of security or environmental policy.

3. Japan: For Japan, the rise of parties on the right of the political centre and far-right parties might spark concern with regard to their position on support for Ukraine, as well as potential support for Taiwan, writes Stephen R. Nagy in the Japan Times.
   Just as the EU, Japan will also hold elections this year: gubernatorial elections in July and a presidential election in September. This briefing has an overview what to expect.