The recent European Parliament elections have seen a surge in hard-right members, with nearly a quarter of the 720 seats now occupied by far-right parties. This shift has the potential to impact EU policies on key issues like migration, climate regulations, and agriculture, which are significant concerns for their constituents.
While the centrist coalition still holds a narrow majority in the European Parliament, the rise of far-right parties in countries like France, Germany, and Italy has brought new dynamics to the political landscape of the EU.
Parties such as France's National Rally, Brothers of Italy, and Alternative for Germany (AfD) are now faced with the challenge of finding common ground to exert influence on EU policies. These parties are currently spread across different parliamentary groups, including the nationalist European Conservatives and Reformists and the Identity and Democracy Group, which houses the most hard-right factions.
Despite their shared goals of restricting immigration and tightening border controls, these far-right parties face internal divisions, particularly on issues like the conflict in Ukraine. While some members align with mainstream EU policies supporting Ukraine, others lean towards a pro-Russian stance.
Key figures like Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán play significant roles in bridging these divides and uniting the far-right forces. Meloni, known for her strong support for Ukraine and NATO, has been instrumental in rallying right-wing parties together, while Orbán's alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin has caused tensions within the EU.
Although differences persist among far-right parties on social issues and strategic alliances, their collective aim to challenge EU climate policies and immigration measures remains a unifying factor. Despite the potential for increased influence, experts suggest that internal divisions may hinder their ability to shape EU decisions effectively.
As the far-right parties navigate their differences and seek to consolidate their influence, the European Parliament faces a new political landscape that could impact the future direction of EU policies.
