In recent years, right-wing populism has surged across Europe, posing a significant challenge to the European Union (EU) and its core principles of unity, democracy, and liberalism. Populist parties, characterized by their anti-immigration stance, Euroscepticism, and nationalist rhetoric, have gained ground in countries like Italy, Hungary, Poland, and Sweden. This rise raises pressing questions about the future of the EU and its ability to maintain cohesion in the face of growing internal dissent.
One of the most prominent examples is Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party has dominated politics for over a decade. Orbán’s government has openly clashed with the EU over its hardline stance on immigration, judicial reforms, and media freedom, accusing Brussels of undermining national sovereignty. Poland’s Law and Justice (PiS) party has followed a similar path, challenging EU norms by reshaping its judiciary and pushing back against EU climate policies. Both countries have faced legal action from the EU, but their influence continues to grow.
Italy’s government, led by Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, is another example of right-wing populism gaining mainstream appeal. Meloni, while not openly advocating for an “Italexit,” has been critical of EU policies, particularly those concerning immigration and fiscal rules. Sweden’s recent election also saw a surge in support for the far-right Sweden Democrats, who have exerted pressure on the new government to adopt stricter immigration controls.
The rise of these movements reflects deeper dissatisfaction with the EU’s handling of key issues such as immigration, economic inequality, and the loss of national identity in a globalized world. Eurosceptic leaders often portray the EU as an elite institution disconnected from the concerns of ordinary citizens.
For the EU, this growing populist sentiment poses a dilemma. It must balance enforcing its democratic principles with addressing the legitimate grievances that fuel populism. The risk is that continued internal divisions could weaken the union, leaving it vulnerable to fragmentation or, at the very least, a diminished ability to act collectively on global issues.
