The new members of the 751-member European Parliament will serve a five-year term, from 2019 to 2024, and spend their time between two EU Parliament buildings, in Strasbourg and Brussels.

The parliament passes EU laws (directives and regulations) and approves the EU budget, along with the European Council, which comprises the heads of state of each country. The European Parliament also helps to choose the president of the European Commission and select EU civil servants.

The largest political grouping after the elections has the strongest mandate to have its choice candidate at the helm of the European Commission.

Migration reportedly remains a crucial issue, with a number of parties well-known for their tough stances on migration policy competing for EU Parliament seats.