Between Crises and Contention: Politicization of the EU and Political Discourse Europeanisation during the 2019 & 2024 EP Elections

European Parliament (EP) elections serve as critical moments for integrating EU-level discourse into national political debates, potentially enhancing the EU’s relevance in domestic politics (Braun, Hutter, & Kerscher, 2016; Eugster et al., 2020). The visibility of the EU—its institutions, leaders, and policies—in national public spheres shapes citizens’ perceptions of Europe and their emotional attachment to the supranational polity (Risse, 2015; Monza & Anduiza, 2016). This study investigates the Europeanization of political party discourse during the EP elections of 2019 and 2024. Using an original dataset of Facebook posts collected for all political parties represented in EU national parliaments, this study examines how the second-order election character of EP contests—where national concerns tend to overshadow EU-level issues—intersects with the more recent dynamics of politicization and polarization. Politicization, defined as the increased visibility and contestation of European issues, is analyzed alongside polarization, particularly the ideological divides between pro-European and Euroskeptic parties. By tracing shifts in the framing of political discourse across two election cycles, the study sheds light on how European issue salience evolves in response to the recent political, social, and institutional changes. The findings offer insights into the role of digital platforms in shaping the European public sphere and new insights into the broader implications of politicization and polarization for the democratic legitimacy of the EU.