1. European Elections are approaching, or rather the elections for the European Parliament: what does this mean?When there are general elections, it is known that you go to choose the majority that will lead the country, which should form the government, and the parliamentarians who will make the laws. But what are we voting for in the European elections?
2. In common perception, the European Parliament is a place of great discussions and idealistic motions, but in the end, everything is decided by the European Commission and the European Council. Is this perception correct? How much truth is there in this perception?
3. National governments often hide behind the phrase "Europe is asking us to" in front of their domestic public opinion. What can Europe really ask of us? What is meant by "Europe" and what powers does it have? In a nutshell: who decides what in Europe?
4. In the European elections, voter turnout is significantly lower than in general elections. Why? Is it the same outside of Italy?
5. What is the weak point of European institutions today? Do you hope for some kind of reform?
6. Considering the period of international conflicts, the idea of a European army is periodically discussed. Is this a feasible/desirable hypothesis?

A few days before the polls on June 8 and 9, we discuss these topics with Fabio Franchino, a professor of Political Science at the University of Milan and an expert in European governance and institutions. His book "The Powers of the Union: Delegation in the EU" is published by Cambridge University Press.

Interview and editing: Giulia Riva