A study examined the role of the mass media in the symbolization process (a process which was necessary to distract attention from the political and economic problems of the European Community and to enhance support of the powerless parliament) during the European election campaign of 1984 and whether symbolization strengthened the motivation for voting. Subjects, 1,413 individuals representative of the West German electorate, were surveyed and interviewed in three waves preceding the election and one wave after the election concerning their views on the election. Results indicated that (1) Euro-specific political or entertaining television programs played a significant role in the symbolization process: (2) the media's impact on voting intervention was mainly mediated through the attitudes towards a "United Europe" and the European Parliament; and (3) a greater influence on the symbolization process was assigned to television during the campaign. (Five tables of data are included.) (RS)