Where the law stands, Dossier 2025/2028(INI)
Reform of the European Electoral Act – hurdles to ratification and implementation in the Member States
Own-initiative report (INI): Parliament’s own position on a topic. It is not binding. · First reading
Parliament sets out its own position on a topic. The resolution is not binding but signals what Parliament wants.
Where it stands
Parliament’s position
Parliament adopted the text on 20 January 2026. This is its final position on the matter.
- Referred to committee(done) 23 January 2025
- Committee work(done) Report adopted 3 December 2025
- Tabled for plenary(done) 8 December 2025
- Plenary vote(done) Adopted 20 January 2026
- Parliament’s position(done) Final
Decided in plenary
20 January 2026 · decision 10
EU institutions & Parliament, Resolution
Reform of the European Electoral Act – hurdles to ratification and implementation in the Member States
Adopted 417 for · 234 against · 9 abstained by a large majority
AI summary:The report concludes that many existing provisions are implemented, but optional measures are often not, and some mandatory ones are applied unevenly.
What changed
Latest Tabled for plenary → Adopted by Parliament
AI summary:The versions differ only in formal points: the committee report's explanatory statement is replaced by the adopted resolution's official text and references.
Committee draft → Tabled for plenary
AI summary:Adds recitals on uniform procedure benefits and ratification requirements, and expands on fragmentation and minorities. Strengthens calls for harmonising electoral deadlines, accessibility, and visibility of European parties. Drops specific criticism of Spain and adds general calls for ratification and harmonising candidacy rules. The other changes are wording and formal updates, including references to Council Decision (EU, Euratom) 2018/994.
Who works on it
- Lead committee
- Constitutional Affairs
- The MEP who drafts the report and negotiates it on behalf of the committee.
- Borja Giménez Larraz (EPP)
- An MEP who follows a report on behalf of their own group when another group holds the rapporteur.
- Idoia Mendia (S&D), Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal (Patriots), Patryk Jaki (ECR), Charles Goerens (Renew), Reinier van Lanschot (Greens), Nikolas Farantouris (The Left)
The text, version by version
Newest first.
Adopted by Parliament· 20 Jan 2026
AI summary:This resolution addresses the reform of the European Electoral Act, focusing on hurdles to ratification and implementation in member states. It calls for harmonizing electoral rules, enhancing accessibility, and ensuring the 2018 reform enters into force.
Tabled for plenary· 8 Dec 2025
AI summary:This report on the reform of the European Electoral Act examines the hurdles to ratification and implementation of Council Decision 2018/994, which is not yet in force because Spain has not ratified it.
Committee draft· 10 Jun 2025
AI summary:This draft report on the reform of the European Electoral Act examines hurdles to ratifying and implementing Council Decision 2018/994, which amends the 1976 Electoral Act. It concludes that the decision is not yet in force because Spain has not ratified it, and recommends measures to improve European elections.
Timeline
Newest first.
Plenary stage 3 steps
20 January 2026
Plenary vote
Sitting of 20 Jan 2026 Report A10-0252/2025Adopted text TA10-0006/2026
14 January 2026
5 amendments tabled for the plenary vote
Groups propose changes to the tabled text; each is voted on before the final vote.
8 December 2025
Report tabled for plenary
This is the text all MEPs vote on. Political groups can still table amendments to it.
Committee stage 4 steps
3 December 2025
Committee vote: report adopted
AFCO (Constitutional Affairs) voted on the amendments and adopted the report that goes to plenary.
14 July 2025
Amendments tabled in committee
Members of AFCO (Constitutional Affairs) proposed changes to the draft.
10 June 2025
Draft report published
The rapporteur’s first text in AFCO (Constitutional Affairs). Members can table amendments before the committee votes.
23 January 2025
Referred to the AFCO (Constitutional Affairs) committee
The lead committee prepares Parliament’s report.
Official record: Legislative Observatory, 2025/2028(INI)