London/Amsterdam - Britain and the Netherlands Thursday kicked off a four-day round of voting in elections for a new European Parliament held across the 27 member states of the European Union (EU).

In Britain, Thursday's election is seen by voters as a chance to pass judgement on the leadership of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who is fighting for his political survival following scandals and low popularity ratings.

There are also local council elections in regions of England and Wales.

With turnout expected to be below 40 per cent in Britain, pollsters have predicted that fringe parties could make gains at the expense of the main political parties. Britain has
72 seats in the European parliament.

It's a similar story in the Netherlands, where about 40 per cent of the electorate were expected to vote. The Dutch will choose among 17 parties, which together will be given
25 seats in the European Parliament.

Euro-scepticism, immigration and the recession are among the themes likely to fuel support for smaller parties in Britain, such as the anti-EU United Kingdeom Independence Party (UKIP) and the right wing British National Party (BNP). The Greens are also hoping to do well.

In the Netherlands, Wednesday night's opinion polls indicated that the rightwing Freedom Party - known for its harsh criticism of Islam and migrants, Euro-scepticism and fierce opposition to Turkish membership of the European Union - could become the largest party.

Brown's Labour Party, which scored 22 per cent in the European elections five years ago, is expected to fall below the 20-per cent mark, an outcome that would be likely to add to Brown's woes.

Voting in Ireland is due Friday, to be followed by countries in Eastern Europe and leading members Italy, France and Germany over the weekend. Results will be announced late Sunday.(dpa)