The 1976 Act on Direct Elections to the European Parliament
Between 7 and 10 of June 1979 the first direct elections to the European Parliament by universal suffrage were held, signalling the end of a long attempt to institute this new degree of democracy in the European Community. Indeed, the effort spanned two decades, with the first draft Convention for direct elections having been submitted by Fernand Dehousse in 1960. Published on the 40th anniversary of the Act, this Briefing gives an overview of the 1974 draft Convention, the initial motions for a resolution, the Final motion and adoption and amendments to the Act on direct elections.
European Parliament History Series - Briefing