Decision time as France, Germany headline EU vote finale

The final day of polling in the European Union elections started on June 9, several nations, including France and Germany, will go to polls which will shape European Union policies over the coming five years.

The final and by far biggest — day of EU elections started on June 9 —with voting due in 21 member countries, including France and Germany, where support for surging far-right parties is being tested.

Polling stations opened in Greece and a string of other member states along the European Union's eastern edge, with voting elsewhere set to begin shortly.

It is a crucial time for Europe. The continent is confronted with the war in Ukraine, global trade and industrial tensions marked by U.S.-China rivalry, a climate emergency and a West that within months may have to adapt to a new Donald Trump presidency.

The vote outcome will determine the bloc's next parliament and indirectly the makeup of the powerful European Commission — thus helping to shape European Union policies over the coming five years.

While centrist mainstream parties are projected to hold most of the incoming European Parliament's 720 seats, polls suggest they will be weakened by a stronger far right pushing the bloc towards ultraconservatism.

Many European voters, hammered by a high cost of living and fearing immigrants to be the source of social ills, are increasingly persuaded by their populist messaging.

France will be the EU's high-profile battleground for the competing ideologies. With voting intentions above 30%, Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN) is predicted to handily beat President Emmanuel Macron's liberal Renaissance party, polling at 14-16%.