As the European elections approach in June, recent polling trends indicate that far-right parties are gaining momentum. It is crucial to understand the geopolitical project and vision of Europe that these political parties truly embody in a time of conflict and military alliance strengthening. These elections must be an opportunity to unmask the extreme right. While far-right parties differ across the continent, they are united by certain values, such as a very conservative vision of society, common ambiguity towards the illiberal regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin, exaltation of nationalism, and underlying euroscepticism.
The electoral ambitions of these parties have led to an opportunistic evolution of their programs, with many now acknowledging the need to address strategic issues at a continental level, including immigration management and support for natalist policies. The prospect of leaving the European Union (EU) and abandoning the common currency have gradually disappeared from their agendas. For example, the National Rally (RN) in France no longer advocates for “Frexit,” and Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom in the Netherlands has also dropped the EU exit from its proposals. In Italy, Giorgia Meloni of the post-fascist party Brothers of Italy initially called for Italy to leave the euro in 2014 but later discarded this idea when she became Prime Minister in 2022. Meloni now works closely with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to address the migrant crisis.
The EU institutions have demonstrated their effectiveness during the Eurozone crisis, and the post-Covid-19 recovery plan has showcased their ability to finance innovation and the continent’s future. Efforts such as welcoming Ukrainian refugees, providing economic support, and reaching consensus on military aid to Kyiv at the European Council demonstrate a growing common strategic culture. These successes have improved Europeans’ perception of the EU, with 72% now valuing their membership. Far-right parties in Europe have responded to public opinion, possibly signaling a transformation in their approach to European issues.
Overall, as the far-right gains ground in European elections, it is important to critically assess their geopolitical ambitions and their vision for Europe. While these parties share certain conservative values, they also present ambiguous stances on key issues such as Putin’s regime, nationalism, and euroscepticism. Despite initial rhetoric calling for EU withdrawal and the abandonment of the euro, far-right parties have made strategic shifts in their agendas to align with shifting public opinion and EU successes. As the EU institutions continue to demonstrate efficiency and effectiveness, it remains to be seen whether these parties will fully embrace a more pro-European stance or continue to push for their nationalist agenda.
