Europa-Wahl'78 - Die Bürger sind angesprochen

Text by Hans Dietrich Genscher (federal minister for Foreign Affair): promotion of the first direct European Parliament elections in 1978, highlighting citizens' opportunity to influence European integration; emphasis on voter responsibility, with a call to engage and avoid electoral apathy; direct elections seen as vital for strengthening European unity, addressing global crises, and countering the limitations of national sovereignty; European party formations and cross-border campaigns are emerging, driving momentum for a more dynamic and integrated Europe; the election offers citizens a chance to actively shape Europe's future. Bottom centre: chart of the European Parliament, before and after the direct elections; right column: three pictures.