National elections

National elections are elections held in a Member State to elect representatives to national legislative bodies, such as parliaments or national assemblies, or to elect heads of state or government at the national level. Under the TTPA regulation, political advertising related to national elections must meet transparency requirements, and certain restrictions apply to sponsorship by third-country entities in the three months before the election.

Legal Basis

While the TTPA regulation does not explicitly define "national elections," it references elections organized at Union level or at national, regional, or local level in Member States throughout its provisions:

"In the three months preceding the day of an election or referendum organised at Union level or at national, regional or local level in a Member State, providers of political advertising services shall provide such services only where the sponsor is... a citizen of the Union, a third-country national who permanently resides in the Union and has the right to vote in that election or referendum, or a legal person established in the Union which is not controlled by third-country entities or third-country nationals."

— Article 12(1), Regulation 2024/900

National elections are specifically mentioned in the context of transparency reporting obligations and enforcement mechanisms under Articles 18 and 20 of the regulation.

Why It Matters

National elections represent critical democratic processes that the TTPA regulation aims to protect from information manipulation and lack of transparency. Political advertising during national election campaigns must comply with all transparency requirements, including clear labeling, disclosure of sponsors, and transparency notices accessible to the public.

For publishers and platforms, national elections trigger enhanced obligations. They must ensure all political advertising is properly labeled and that transparency information is readily available. During the three-month period before a national election, they must verify that sponsors meet the eligibility requirements to prevent foreign interference.

Political actors, parties, and campaign organizations should be aware that their political advertising activities during national elections are subject to full scrutiny under the regulation. Non-compliance can result in enforcement action by national media regulators or Digital Services Coordinators, depending on the Member State's implementation.

Key Points

National elections include elections to national parliaments, assemblies, and elections of heads of state or government at the Member State level
All political advertising related to national elections must comply with transparency and labeling requirements under Chapter II of the TTPA regulation
The three-month restriction on third-country sponsorship applies before national elections to prevent foreign interference
Member States may impose stricter national rules on political advertising during national elections, including longer restriction periods or additional transparency requirements
Publishers and platforms must maintain transparency information for national election-related political advertising for at least five years after publication
Enforcement of TTPA obligations during national elections is typically handled by national competent authorities designated by each Member State

National elections vs. European Parliament elections

Both national elections and elections to the European Parliament are covered by the TTPA regulation, but they differ in scope and governance. National elections choose representatives for a single Member State's legislative or executive bodies, while European Parliament elections are coordinated across all Member States to elect Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

The transparency obligations under the TTPA apply equally to both types of elections. However, European Parliament elections involve additional coordination mechanisms, such as the European Cooperation Network on Elections and pan-European political campaigns by European political parties. National elections remain primarily governed by each Member State's electoral law, though the TTPA's transparency requirements create a common minimum standard across the Union.

For cross-border political advertising services, European Parliament elections often involve campaigns that span multiple Member States, while national election campaigns are typically focused within a single Member State, though cross-border services may still be used.

Related Terms

Political advertising
Political actor
Sponsor
Publisher
European Parliament elections
Third-country entity
Transparency notice
Provider of political advertising services
Regional elections
Referendum

Very transparent. Every political ad will be labelled, linked to a transparency notice with detailed information, and online ads will be searchable in a central European repository.

The Network coordinates election-related cooperation between member states. National contact points for TTPA enforcement should be members of this network where possible.

Election campaigns will need to ensure all paid advertising includes proper labels and transparency notices. Sponsors must be prepared to provide required information to all service providers.

Several major platforms currently do not allow paid political advertising, including some large social networks. This limits where political actors can place paid online advertisements.

The TTPA applies from 10 October 2025. Member States had until 10 April 2025 to designate competent authorities, and the Commission must provide label templates by 10 July 2025.

Publishers must ensure completeness and accuracy of certain information but are not required to verify all sponsor claims. They must correct manifestly erroneous information when they become aware of it.

Yes. When a hosting provider and a website both display an ad, both are considered publishers with responsibility for their specific services. Contracts should clarify how they share compliance duties.

If a publisher removes or disables access to a political ad due to illegality or terms violations, they must still provide access to the transparency information for the full seven-year retention period.