The European far right is expected to gain visibility in the upcoming European Parliament elections, potentially weakening the bloc’s liberal-democratic framework. With projections indicating that these parties may win around 144 out of 720 seats, their influence on foreign policy decisions is a topic of concern. While far-right parties prioritize issues related to national identity and domestic polarization, their foreign policy choices tend to be context-specific and adaptable, often influenced by the need to form alliances. A major division among European far-right parties is their stance towards Russia, with some being pro-Russian while others lean towards supporting the US and NATO.
In terms of specific foreign policy issues, far-right parties are generally united in their skepticism towards initiatives like the Green Deal, primarily due to concerns about cost and bureaucracy. On the Israel-Gaza conflict, most European far-right leaders have expressed support for Israel, viewing the country as an ethnic democracy fighting against Islamist terrorism. Antisemitism, while not entirely absent, has been downplayed in public communication by far-right leaders. Furthermore, a more far-right European Union is expected to take a tougher stance on migration, with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni advocating for a plan to support Africa’s economic development in exchange for curbing migration.
When it comes to China, the European far right’s approach appears to be more divided, with certain countries like Hungary and Serbia serving as gateways for Chinese interests in Europe. Corruption scandals related to Chinese money have plagued parties like AfD and FPÖ in Central European countries. However, some leaders like Italy’s Meloni have taken steps to distance themselves from Chinese influence. The ability of the far right to influence EU foreign policy will depend on their ability to form coalitions and potential changes based on the outcome of the US presidential elections in November.
Marlene Laruelle, a research professor at George Washington University, cautions that the European far right is likely to advocate for foreign policies that are less committed to liberal democratic values and more focused on transactional relationships with other countries. While far-right parties may have divergent views on specific foreign policy issues, their influence in the European Parliament could shape the future direction of the EU’s international engagement. If you’d like to contribute to the conversation on this topic, you can contact Euronews at [email protected] with your thoughts and submissions.
