A number of famous athletes – from the Red Devils to Paralympians – will be encouraging European citizens to vote as part of the EU's #UseYourVote campaign ahead of the European elections taking place at the end of next week.
Leading football players, including Belgian Red Flames captain Tessa Wullaert, Anna Johanning of the German national team, and Finland's Sanni Franssi, are among the athletes who are joining the EU's #UseYourVote campaign.
A similar initiative is being undertaken in the men's game in the context of Saturday's Champions League final, and major European clubs including German champions Bayer Leverkusen, Europa League winners Atalanta, FC Bayern Munich, AC Milan, and SSC Napoli have or are set to use their platforms to encourage citizens to vote as well.
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In Brussels, Belgian national football team player Amadou Onana organised a mini tournament for 16 to 18-year-olds to encourage them to vote for the first time. Also, at the Brussels 20 km race last weekend, some 1,300 staff members of the European institutions ran under the banner 'Running for Europe' alongside an information stand at the finish line about the upcoming elections.
Elsewhere, the Internationaux de Strasbourg Women's Tennis Association tournament (from 18 to 25 May) displayed a #UseYourVote campaign banner at the host venue, as well as hosting an information stand. Italian Paralympic triathlon bronze medallist Veronika Yoko also sported a #UseYourVote campaign scarf during Milan Fashion Week.
From footballers to singers
Several months ago, the EU also appealed to famous artists who are popular among young people – such as Rosalía, Måneskin, Dua Lipa, Stromae and Angèle – to mobilise voters. They selected celebrities from all over the EU to reach as many citizens across the 27 Member States as possible.
Voter turnout for the European Parliament elections varies greatly between countries but has historically been low. However, in 2019, the figure stood at 50.66% – the first time it exceeded the 50% threshold since 1994.
A Eurobarometer survey held immediately after the election showed that the increase was largely due to youth participation, especially those under 25 years old. This year, four Member States (Belgium, Germany, Malta and Austria) are also allowing 16 to 17-year-olds citizens to vote.
