Today, Wednesday November 11th, the European Parliament supported a proposal to lower the voting age to 16.

In a vote on a report concerning the reform of electoral law of the European Union, MEPs recommended that Member States find ways to harmonise the voting age at 16 to further enhance citizens´ democratic participation in EU elections.

Marian Harkin welcomed the Parliament´s progressive stance. She said "this is a signal to the youth of Europe that MEPs value their voice and would like to hear that voice in the next European election. Young people have just as big a stake in the future of the EU as any other constituency and we need new and dynamic perspectives to tackle the challenges that Europe faces.

"The Government has accepted a recommendation from the Constitutional Convention to hold a referendum on the issue of lowering the voting age to 16 and I hope that the next Government, whoever that may be, will deliver on that commitment and support this proposal during negotiations between the Parliament and Member States" MEP Harkin concluded.