Provisional results from elections to the EU parliament show gains for opposition parties across Europe.
Governing parties in Germany, France and Poland have suffered big losses, while many eurosceptic parties have had their best result at the polls.
About 350 million people were entitled to vote, making it one of the biggest democratic exercises in the world. However, the indications are that there has been a record low turnout of about 44.2% for the EU as a whole.
Did you vote? If not, why not? Why do you think turn-out seems low? What is your reaction to the results?
We discussed the European elections in our weekly phone-in programme Talking Point.

This debate is now closed. Read your comments below.
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far.
 | We are supposed to have European elections, but with the same old national parties  |
I think one problem is the fact that there is no European parties to elect. We are supposed to have European elections, but with the same old national parties. They tally for our votes as a means of referendum, but unless there are pan-European parties that will have an actual interest to speak to voters about European issues, things are not going to change.
Giannis, Athens, Greece I jumped over numerous hoops for my local council to get to vote in the European elections. Currently I am abroad and have been away from home for the last couple of months. After much emailing to the council, scanning of documents, using my wife as proxy, I thought I had paved the way for me to vote via my wife. Then the council told me, when I had submitted everything that I had missed the last application date? Why is voting such hard work?
Ju, UK
I just hope the people I voted for take this job seriously and don't see it as just another income (as people have done in the past!)
Franziska, Sevenoaks, UK
The EU its government & organizations is a smoke screen, behind which politicians can hide, the bigger it becomes the better it will be to hide behind. It is too distant from ordinary people and has no heart.
Bennett, Marseille France
So, Poland has failed to convince her citizens and the EU has failed to convince its members. As long as I hear this kind of syntax, where politicians tell - or fail to tell - their constituents what is good for them, instead of listening to what they want, I will not believe there is democracy in Europe.
Leszek Luc Howski, Gliwice, Poland
 | I believe that it is our responsibility to vote  |
I'm not old enough to vote; I'm currently only 13 yrs old. However, since as long as I can remember my parents have always told it's my responsibility as an American to vote. I believe that statement holds true for Europeans as well. Millions of our ancestors have fought and died so that we may be free and have a say in what goes on in our government, and if everyone planned to sit back and not vote, than all of those lives were taken in vain. There are so many people in the world who don't have that privilege, and I believe that it is our responsibility to vote. As for not liking the candidates running, well someone will have that position whether you like it or not, so you might as well vote for the person you believe is most capable, even if you're not particularly fond of any of the politicians.
Keri, USA
It is Malta's first opportunity to vote for the EP elections and it's something I will not miss! More so as the budget for the next seven years is soon to be discussed and, small as our voice is, I want the people I trust representing Malta there!
John Vassallo, St Julian's, Malta
Most people haven't a clue how important the European election is. Most of our laws are initially passed by the European Parliament and then passed on into national legislation. That's why it is important to vote. I'll definitely be voting on Sunday.
S Gilmartin, Stuttgart, Germany
 | If they can't be bothered, then why should I?  |
I'll tell you why I won't be voting - because no one has asked for my vote. I have lived in London for 20 years, and have never had a single politician knock on my door and ask for my support. If they can't be bothered, then why should I?
Philip, London, England
It seems a shame that parties focus on national issues during a European election. Who I vote for depends on whether they will make my voice heard in Strasbourg.
John, Lisbon, Portugal
As an American with some exposure to economic theory, the future of Europe looks bright as a result of the EU. As Europe's collective economy strengthens we will see a more even playing field emerge between the US and EU, and maybe your foreign policy can influence ours for a change. As our time in the sun fades your sun is rising! It is still early days. Hang in there!
Frank, Portland, USA
 | This vote is a chance for every European  |
I will vote. This vote is a chance for every European to choose who is best in keeping country/personal interests. Not to vote has the same effect as voting for parties that you would never want to see in parliament. Even if the parties haven't made their policies known (and that is sad) nobody can say that there aren't opportunities to get information about them by yourself.
Matthias, Germany This European election has a relevant secondary reading in Spain. I'm voting as a means of showing my disgust at the media coup dealt by the Socialists last March.
Ana Eva Rodriguez, Gij�n, Spain
Yes I am voting, and for a party supportive of the EU. However, I am deeply disappointed with the current state of the EU. The commission retains far too much undemocratic power and interferes too much with the business of member states and regions.
Colin, Aberdeen, UK
Strasbourg? The Hague? Human rights? All of these are alien concepts to the UK. A low turnout is surely to be expected when the EU is both perceptively and physically so far removed from the everyday life of ordinary people
Anna, Edinburgh
Most of the UK citizens who have posted negative comments about voting for European elections do not know what it means to have one candidate on their ballot.
Piotr, Poland
I would love to vote in the elections but for the past 18 months I have lived overseas. Why in this day and age can we not vote over the internet?
Michael Brimacombe, Thailand
I will vote as the European elections represent a golden opportunity to say what you really think rather than be shackled to a two-party system.
Andrew, Leighton Buzzard, UK
These elections are so important that nobody in USA knows about it. If I did not log on to the BBC, I would never know that there are elections in Europe.
Naveed Khan, San Jose, USA
 | I would very much like to vote, but have been disenfranchised by John Prescott  |
As an European I would very much like to vote, but have been disenfranchised by John Prescott. He unilaterly declared that anyone who has been outside the UK for more than five years is not allowed to vote. I have now been in Austria for more than five years, but am not allowed to vote as I am not an Austrian citizen. There should be a reciprocal agreement between EU countries that allows EU citizens to vote in one country, i.e. when one changes residency and pays income tax in that EU country, then one should have the right to vote in that country.
Anthony Loveys, Austria Most power is wielded by the Commission. Germany used to nominate one candidate from the opposition and one from the coalition for the 2 members of the Commission its entitled to. Last time, despite an opposition victory in the European election, Schroeder appointed 2 Commissioners from his coalition (1 social democrat and 1 green). Yeah, our European vote really makes a big difference where it counts!
Jonathan, Frankfurt, Germany
Everyone in my family voted today in the european elections here in France, in majority as a protest and punishment vote against the entire, totally corrupt and utterly untouchable political class. Because the disenchantment is so ABSOLUTELY universal in all the western civilizations, this now gives we rational radicals a very good opportunity to get into European Parlimentary domination with winning votes as low as 15%. Revenge is a very powerful motive and right now, we the "common people" want the majority of our corrupt leadership thrown out.
Victor Compton, Cherbourg, France
Perhaps turnout for this election would have been greater if the European Parliament actually had some teeth. I did cast my vote, but have little idea what that, or the votes of other Europeans, will have in terms of concrete policy. Unfortunately, it seems, EU decision-making will only become further distanced from the public while the Commission continues to dominate, and perhaps as a result, the public is so apathetic in electing those that it has the power to, i.e. the EP. Needless to say, this doesn't bode well for the future of democracy in Europe.
Alan Frisk, Stockholm, Sweden (resident abroad in Sarajevo, BiH) Don't know enough about the role of MEPs and any benefits they bring. The issues we think are important are not addressed by candidates and feedback is non-existent. MEPs are unknown to their public (a photo and a name near to voting time do not give sufficient information to make an informed decision) and make no effort to be seen to be working for us. It all seems pretty irrelevant - especially block voting.
Pat Chamberlain, Lancaster, England
The European public is largely uninformed about the often hard and serious work and its positive impact for the EU citizens performed by the EU-institutions and the European Parliament. In fact, I often wonder whether the delegates themselves understand their responsibility fully. I'd argue that National Governments are to blame for the lack of voter interest in many aspects, trying to take credit for the achievements of the European Commission, the European Institutions and the EU Parliament while blaming "Brussels" for all that goes wrong nationally.
The "Brussels" devised break-up of the national monopolies has already saved the European public billions in lower telehhone costs, lower energy bills, synchronisation of labor laws, citizens rights, banking, insurance and on and on... These achievements are enormous despite sometimes sickening obstruction for reasons of national interests. In the wake of the changing power concentrations underway on worldscale we have the choice between prosperity and steady development, and irrelevance; so do vote - much is at stake here!
Hendrick Kamphorst, Gemmenich / Belgium
Great Britain must decide once and for all which continent she is closer to - the European continent or the American continent. Now it's the time to stand up and show that the world has a second voice apart from the US. A voice which has a long history behind it. After thousands of years of war, Europe can finally be a jewel of peace and prosperity. Please, don't throw away the opportunity to make this vision come true. Show to everyone that the Europeans' history, culture and vision don't stop where their borders stop.
Kostas Konstantinidis, Manchester, UK Reading this has changed my mind - my polling station is very difficult to get to, and yes there has been no great political debate, and we are faced with the usual media scaremongering - so the policies and party stance can be vague. But after reading this Have Your Say and realising how much of the population still has an outdated nation that Britain is one of the superior nations - I am dismayed - and yes I will be voting pro-Europe.
Joanne, London
To those who claim those who don't vote are lazy, stupid or should not whinge, I have one thing to say: Give me a NONE OF THE ABOVE box and I will. I want to vote for policies that I have a view on, not make several compromises in selecting a party who have sent me no information on their policies. I agree with a couple of policies of every party but then equally disagree with more policies of every party. I want the none of the above option to tell the parties to go away and come back with some different policies that I might then agree with.
Peter, Edinburgh
I do find it quite humorous how European nations have been courting Britain like sporting franchises court great talent... lest the Britons choose sides with the great, arrogant United States. Intentions based on fear rather than benevolence rule today's Europe and I love that the United States plays such a large role in this story.
Matt, USA
 | Westminster is beholden to Brussels  |
Westminster is beholden to Brussels. They don't listen to the British voters on subjects such as war, GM, and pollution, so to get your way you have to vote for people who are going to get Brussels to force the hand of Westminster. This situation should not be so, but that's the way it is.
Phil, UK
The European elections are the most important of the week's elections, as it is the earliest chance for those of us who want to leave the EC to make it happen by voting for the UK Independence Party. If UKIP win the European elections, the Constitution, the single currency, metric retail measurements and European law will soon be history and we can go back to pounds and ounces and when the EC implodes, we can sit back and smile.
Lee Jennings, Ipswich, UK
As I am currently staying in Japan, I cannot vote this Sunday. Although I am not sure, how much power the EU-Parliament actually has, I think that Europe will become more important in the next years. I will definitely vote again at the next elections!
Julia, Kumamoto, Japan (German)
I can imagine how important the European election is, but my question is how important it will be if almost all the candidates here in Italy have already a post in the national assembly how then and when will they have time to be in the European parliament to debate on the issues about Europe? I believe my vote will be well represented if my Candidate will have only one parliament to participate on.
Tony Duru, Brescia, Italy
 | My concerns about the EU were confirmed when Chirac warned the new small East European members to step in line  |
Sadly, I feel no matter the vote, the EU will always be run by one party government, the Franco-German Alliance. My concerns about the EU were confirmed when Chirac warned the new small East European members to step in line and not disagree with France and Germany's stance on the war. It sounded exactly how Soviet Moscow used to dictate to them. Did my grandfather fight for this honour? If he were here today, I cannot imagine his reaction that the United Kingdom would be governed by France and Germany.
Alistair Asquith, NJ, USA/London, UK
Yes, I shall be voting tomorrow. It is not only my duty but a pleasure to walk to the polling station, and see others out in a sort of holiday mood also walking to the polls. It also gives me a sense of the nature of community and citizenship - and (sometimes) being able to boot out those who don't govern properly! The European elections are also a chance for ordinary people across the continent to vote for representatives who will enact stricter anti-fraud measures. But I wish there was a way we could ensure that all those elected didn't vote their own pay cheques. After all, there are no qualifications necessary, are there?
Alison, Swansea, Wales, UK
I can't vote! I Received no polling card for a postal vote, received no voting card at my home, and every time I call the council to see how I can vote I get an answering machine which just says "we're busy, try later" and it hangs up! Despicable!
JC, Kensington, London, UK
Yes I shall be voting. I am currently reading the Draft European Constitution which was printed in July 2003, (335 page document).I would like to stress joining the single European currency is essential in order to safeguard manufacturing jobs within the UK and Europe. The Draft is heavy reading and I believe the new EU constitution may have to be revised further to accommodate the needs of individual member states. There are many variables to consider, and is far more complex than I first envisaged. I believe parties left of centre have to improve their relations with corporate culture so that people within Europe can improve their quality of life. A compromise or balance has to be reached between Corporate Europe and the masses.
Stephen Lal Bhatia BSc, Stafford England, UK
Yes, I'll be voting. I think it's a shame though that the election is being fought on national issues (among which I include Iraq) and not on European issues. Our representatives in the European Parliament are there to work on what's best for Europe as a whole, not to squabble about the place of individual countries within the EU (which is the job of the Council of Ministers). If the electorate were well-informed about this, the true role of the Parliament, then perhaps they would be more inclined to get out and vote.
Jonathan Sch�tz, London, UK
 | I don't believe the Polish are very enthusiastic  |
I don't believe the Polish are very enthusiastic. After all, all they see is dumb politicians feathering their nests getting a fat pension. Also, actors and other such who also want to grab a ride on the gravy train. I guess that they're not alone either. One British EU MP I knew told me the day he was booted out he lost a tax free income of 200K! Small wonder us small people don't feel obliged to offer handouts to worthless people only looking for their own personal advancement. Just ask 'em: Will you do it for free? Not many would put their hands up!
Alan, Warsaw, Poland If people don't vote, then who are they to complain about the politicians and laws they end up with?
Iain Nicholson, UK
We are all quick to gripe about what is wrong with the EU but now is the time to let our feelings be known. I know it is probably the usually thing - being fobbed off yet again. But if the party I vote for don't keep their promises I won't be voting again. It's time the politicians listened to the voters - they don't seem to learn that not carrying out their promises is what costs them votes the next time round. I don't usually bother with European and local elections but I'm in one of the postal voting regions which has actually encouraged me to vote.
Linda, Hull, UK
I will be voting in the June 10th elections. I am only eighteen yet I believe that the public should vote on what affects them, if they don't then we are ruled by people who decide what we think for us! This is a democratic country, so let's use the democratic system properly and vote for your party!
Aaron Mortimer, Woodbridge, England
I have voted. For once, as a young professional I felt I was able to simply because of the postal voting. I've moved around a bit in my early 20's and because of that it makes it practically difficult to vote. The form was easy, with clear instructions - I really don't know what the fuss is all about! As for what the individual parties stand for...that I had to find out for myself. None of the local politicians want to know!
Jamie, St Neots, Cambs
How do I know that my vote has made it through the post? This is not democracy but a postal lottery. I cannot see how this will encourage voting: I feel more discouraged about the value of my vote now than in the last 25 years.
Aysha St Giles, Belper, Derbyshire Although I will be voting on Thursday, I am surprised that in my area (Kilburn), we haven't received a single leaflet from any of the parties, and not seen sight nor sound from them. How can they expect us to vote when they themselves can't be bothered to campaign?
Emma, Kilburn London
I will vote, not that it will achieve anything. I have had reason to contact my MEP once during his term for assistance, result, nothing, the problem was apparently one for the commission over which he had no say! Enough said.
John, Birmingham
While it isn't perfect, the EU has helped bring in an unprecedented period of stability, peace and prosperity within Europe. I'm proud to count myself one of its citizens. I will therefore discharge what I consider to be my democratic responsibility and will be voting on Thursday.
Anna, Cambridge, UK
I have already voted (postal vote). However, I have no way of verifying that my vote has been delivered and if anything happens in the last days before "polling day" I will not be able to change my vote. Electioneering goes on. What happened to no opinion polls on polling day?
Polling Day for those of us in postal voting areas lasts a week or more, but we're just ignored. This year's poor fools who are being used for an experiment. I hope no one thinks that just because people voted using the postal vote, that we actually like it. I loathe it and look forward to a return to a fairer system - called polling stations - where we all get equal chance to make ourselves heard at the same time. At the moment, I feel like a third-class citizen.
Stephanie Marriott Halifax, England
Ailsa (below) says she has read the whole draft constitution. So have I and it clearly states that while some decisions are to be made at national level, the EU can overrule those decisions that it feels contradict the interests of the EU as a whole. If that isn't something to worry about I don't know what is.
Arron Clements, Coventry, UK
If turnouts remain low the message that is sent to politicians is that they can do as they choose as no-one will get out and vote them out. The only way to inculcate accountability in these people is to make it clear to them that they will lose their seats if they ignore the concerns of the people they are supposed to represent.
Pete Gordon, London
Absolutely yes, for two reasons. First, it is my duty as a UK and EU citizen to vote. It should be a legal requirement to do so. Second, despite the total ignorance of most of my fellow British citizens, the European Parliament plays an important role in the EU.
Andrew Taylor, Nottingham, UK
I am voting, but more because I am glad to be able to, rather than I have any reason to support a given party. I'm also pretty disgusted with the postal voting system - I found the instructions tricky to understand, and I've got a physics degree! I think the complexity of the form filling and posting (as opposed to the traditional trip to the polling booth) will put even more people off voting.
Heather, Stockport, UK
Yes I will be voting. How many of the 'Little Englanders' have actually read the draft constitution. I downloaded all 285 pages and after a good read feel that it in no way should we be threatened by it. My grandfather was killed in the First War and my father in WW2. Anything which prevents this type of conflict can only be for the good. I feel far more threatened by the globalisation by American interests than I do by the EU. Hey - what do I know - I'm just a 60 year old grandmother.
Ailsa, Grimsby, UK
My great grandfather was a member of parliament for Labour here in Ireland, and I myself used to be a member of a major party. For the first time ever I have decided not to vote. In Ireland in 2001, we voted No to the Nice Treaty. Our political masters both at national and EU level put an unchanged treaty to the electorate again only 18 months later, to get the "right" result - a Yes. By not voting you are not rejecting democracy or losing a voice - you are refusing to mandate a system that superficially courts and privately contempts.
Bridget Colohan, Dublin, Ireland For a country with an unelected House of Lords and unelected Head of State, I find it amusing to hear my fellow Brits complaining that the democratically elected MEPs and European Commissioners (appointed by democratically elected governments) are "undemocratic". If your concern is truly democracy, use every vote that is given to you, always.
Edward, Oxford, England
It's the only time politicians take any notice of us, so use it or lose it.
Gerry Noble, Salisbury, UK
Voting should be compulsory for all elections with a 'None Of The Above' box on the ballot paper. If people refuse to vote democracy suffers and we lay ourselves open to unscrupulous politicians voted into power by tiny (and unrepresentative) electorates.
Stephen, England
Yes I will vote. But not because any of the parties has made the least effort to get my vote. We have had no leaflets (not even for Mayor) no posters no canvassing. I was in Ireland a month ago posters for the EU vote were every where. You were in no doubt who was standing and for which party. Are our politicians so embarrassed to be candidates they have to hide there faces and policies.
Mo, England
I'll be voting for the UK Independence Party, as they're the only people that seem to actually listen to what the British public wants - that we're fed up with being ruled by Brussels bureaucrats!
Sue Hudson, London, UK
 | It would be a big mistake to go backwards and leave  |
I will be voting. The EU has as many good points as bad. It is wasteful, at times misguided and interfering. The major countries France and Germany have ignored EU directives when it has suited them. Yet despite the odds being against it, with all the self-interest and back-biting, it seems to work. I do not want any more power going to Brussels and I don't want to loose the pound, but I think it would be a big mistake to go backwards and leave.
Kevin Parker, Kent, UK The problem with elections to the European Parliament in Denmark is that people hardly know the individuals who contest in these elections, let alone the policies and parties they represent. The election in itself seems so remote that it is more or less considered like an election taking place in a remote planet in the solar system!
Srinivasan Toft, Humleb�k, Denmark
I would rather have the EU control the UK than the UK parliament. The vast majority of the EU is way more liberal than the UK government. The EU parliament wants to move forward to create an alliance between all races and nationalities. As for the euro or pound dilemma, just look how strong the euro is becoming - when each country had its own currency, people who invested in business were using the US dollar because of its wide use, but just look how much value the US dollar has lost since the introduction of the single currency.
Richard Brown, Chesterfield, England
What planet is Richard Brown Living on? The Euro is worth 9 cents less than it was on day one 1999. Doing great eh? In my view Europe is a socialist protectionist economy, the currency will always struggle in those circumstances.
Gerry Anstey, Bournemouth, England
I will be voting as this is one of the key rights that many of the world's population are denied. The choice of who to vote for is more difficult. I believe that people are not disinterested in voting, just in the options. An abstention option would be a useful wake up call to all political parties and suggest that they should listen to the electorate once again.
Dan, Plymouth, Devon, UK
"Brussels and other countries" are about to control our daily lives are they? I think that Belgium might have something to say about its capital city upgrading its status so dramatically. The EU controls trade throughout almost all of Europe, and trade from outside is governed by EU laws. Given that most of our trade is with the EU, it makes more sense to be in and influence those laws, rather than having them imposed on us. When people talk about "Brussels" it would be nice if they had the intelligence to realise that this is where voting is done by MEPs from all member nations, including the UK, and that our laws are not being made up by a few random Belgians.
Richard Earl, Dundee, Scotland I will be voting despite the apparent apathy of the political parties in my area. I have just received my first election leaflet (three days before the election). How can the electorate get enthused about voting when the parties show so little interest?
Nick, Cardiff, UK
I am an EU citizen, I am European and proud of my identity as European. I shall not give in to the tactics of shadowy pressure groups, scaremongers and media magnates who try to discredit the European Union with their ridiculous scare stories and misinformation. Right now I see no alternative for Europeans but to stand united in front of the US, that is, in my view, an aggressive and militaristic superpower that threatens to engulf us all. I will therefore vote in the elections and have my voice heard.
Jordi Vives, Whitehaven, Cumbria
I read some of these comments and am amazed that some of you lot actually consider voting for the EU because you think the UK is a colony of the US. Nothing could be further from the truth and scare tactics like this could be very dangerous to UK sovereignty. Yes, the UK has supported the US on a couple of things outside of your homeland, but Brussels and other countries with their own interests are about to control your daily lives. Think very hard about this.
Bob, Brit in US
I was fully intending to vote until I received my postal ballot paper. I had thought that voting was supposed to be a private matter but this paper requires that I include details of my name etc. and then have this witnessed. I know that it has always been theoretically possible to track votes made in polling stations, but this system totally negates any notion of confidentiality.
P Garment, Nottingham - England
We need a strong mandate for the European Parliament so that it is able to stand up against the dubiously democratic Commission, and Council of Ministers. We're fortunate to have a vote and should all use it to tell the incumbent politicians what we think of their antics. Non-participation just lets them do what they like on the assumption that nobody cares.
Antony, Heathfield, UK
 | I am very disappointed at the lack of campaigning and information offered  |
I am very disappointed at the lack of campaigning and information offered. There has been very little on the news and I have had only a couple of pretty poorly put together leaflets. No one has canvassed me. European elections are very important and we should be better informed.
Katherine, London, UK I want nothing to do with Europe. The EU was started for trade not to make us one big country and politicians in Brussels continue to come up with ridiculous laws.
James, Ashford
I was going to vote, but now that I've had my postal ballot through the post I'm having second thoughts. Could they have made it any more complicated? It's not even happened yet and I want to go back to polling booths. I will not be voting now
Kevin Miller, Warrington, Cheshire Just filled in my postal ballot papers - was really easy. Can't see what all the fuss is about. It's about time we made voting as easy and convenient as possible to counter the widespread apathy amongst the public about voting and politics in general. How about making voting compulsory - people shouldn't whinge if they don't bother to vote!
ML, London, England
Do those who claim that Britain doesn't need the EU to have a voice think that the US would have dropped steel tariffs if it hadn't been for the EU flexing its muscles? Also, if you want life outside of work, i.e. a minimum four weeks of holiday per year then vote for an EU friendly party, if you want to work all hours and wave goodbye to any family or social life then vote for the anti-Europe parties..
Greg Brown, Norwich, UK
Yes, I will be turning out because I firmly believe that unless I cast a vote I will have no right at all to be critical of the way I am governed in the coming period. That said, no candidates have made themselves known to me and their policies remain a mystery. I will have to research their backgrounds and policies myself to come to a decision. I am not therefore surprised that many people either don't vote or follow the media's backings slavishly.
Phillip Holley, UK, Cambs
Fantastic - Postal Voting! Now you can whine about Europe, the government and the Royal Mail in the same discussion!
Pip, Yorks, UK
I'll be voting because people that hold anti-establishment views like myself tend not to vote. Important to buck the trend.
Sarah Wilson, London, UK
I will vote, but only for parties that oppose this sorry sham posing as a democracy. While I realise that my vote will count for nothing and change nothing, in the face of the European bureaucratic leviathan, it will, at least, register a protest at the steady destruction of our democracy.
Christian, London
I will be voting, although I do not believe the European Parliament has enough authority to influence politics in Europe. But, by voting a candidate with a clear peace and social programme, I hope to encourage others to join me and raise their voices against war and the abolition of social rights acquired in the decades since WW-II
Gerhard Hoffmann, Vienna, Austria