Introduction
In recent years, the growing popularity of radical right-wing parties in the European Union (EU) has emerged as a significant political trend. This phenomenon cannot be viewed in isolation, as it is deeply interconnected with economic instability, migration processes, globalization fears, and concerns over national identity. The purpose of this text is to analyse the causes of this trend and explore its potential consequences for political stability and democratic values within the EU.
Analysis of the Current Situation and Key Challenges
Radical right-wing parties have gained significant traction in numerous EU member states. Their rise is closely associated with increasing dissatisfaction with mainstream political parties, economic struggles, and migration policies. According to Eurostat, between 2014 and 2015, approximately two million people applied for asylum in the EU, with an additional 1.6 million arriving between 2016 and 2021. Many citizens perceive these migration waves as a threat to traditional European values, particularly in rural areas that have historically been less exposed to non-European cultures.
A clear example of this political shift is the Alternative for Germany (AfD), which became the third-largest party in the Bundestag in 2017 and has since continued to grow in influence. Similarly, in the Netherlands, the Party for Freedom (PVV) significantly increased its support between the 2019 and 2024 European Parliament elections. These trends indicate a growing appeal of nationalist and anti-immigration rhetoric among European voters.
Another key factor in the rise of radical right-wing parties is economic uncertainty. Many of their supporters come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly in regions affected by high unemployment and declining industries. This trend is evident in Germany, where AfD has gained more support in the former East Germany, where economic development lags behind the western part of the country. Additionally, many radical right-wing parties oppose European integration, advocating for national sovereignty and economic protectionism.
Possible Solutions and Policy Recommendations
To counteract the rise of radical right-wing parties, mainstream political actors must address the underlying economic and social concerns that drive their support. The following measures could be considered:
- Comprehensive Migration Policies – Establishing clear and effective migration policies that ensure both humanitarian support and integration programs could help alleviate fears surrounding migration. Effective communication about the economic contributions of migrants and stricter regulations on illegal migration may reduce public anxiety.
- Economic Reforms and Social Policies – Addressing economic inequalities through targeted investment in education, job creation, and regional development could help reduce the appeal of radical narratives. Providing economic security to vulnerable populations may weaken the populist arguments of radical right-wing parties.
- Strengthening Democratic Institutions – Ensuring the resilience of democratic institutions, promoting media literacy, and countering misinformation campaigns can help mitigate the impact of radical right-wing rhetoric. Increased political engagement, particularly among young voters, can provide a counterbalance to extremist ideologies.
- Effective Communication Strategies – Mainstream political parties should improve their communication with voters, particularly young people. Many radical right-wing parties use social media effectively to spread their messages, while traditional parties often struggle to connect with younger demographics.
Conclusion
The growing popularity of radical right-wing parties in the EU is driven by economic instability, migration concerns, and dissatisfaction with mainstream political actors. This trend poses challenges to the unity and democratic values of the EU. However, by implementing effective migration policies, addressing economic inequalities, and improving communication with citizens, mainstream political forces can counteract the rise of radical right-wing movements and preserve European stability and democratic integrity.
The article is based on a research paper conducted by Ernest Podobnik and Vanja Kulušić, students of the 4th grade at Andrija Mohorovičić Gymnasium in Rijeka, under the mentorship of Prof. Renata Radan. The paper is not publicly available.
Literature
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