By Bill Witherell, Ph.D.
The results of the European Union's Parliamentary elections, held the last weekend in May, were welcomed by investors as being not as bad as many had feared. A broad populist and nationalist anti-EU surge, which had looked possible, was avoided. Pro-EU lawmakers will continue to be in a clear majority, aided by gains by green and liberal parties, offsetting losses by centrist parties. The resulting fragmented make-up of the EU Parliament over the next five years suggests decision-making will be more complex despite the continued significant popular support for the European