The Rise of the Far Right in Europe: Why Right-Wing Politics Is Surging and What It Means for Democracy, Society, and Our Freedoms

An analysis of the forces driving radical right movements across the EU, from migration and economic insecurity to the normalization of extreme ideas in mainstream politics

The picture was made by the author with the help of an AI program

If you browse the newspapers today, scroll through political news online, or turn on the television to follow current affairs in Europe, you could easily conclude that the continent is drifting into a political twilight led by far-right parties. Political figures who were, until recently, confined to the margins and deep opposition are now winning increasing public trust and positioning themselves as serious actors on the political stage.

They are shaping policy, influencing international relations, and redefining the boundaries of what is considered “normal” in public discourse. This new far-right wave did not emerge overnight. It is the product of decades of economic shocks, migration waves, polarized public debate, and a deepening distrust of traditional political elites.

In this text, we explore a question that increasingly concerns European voters: what lies behind the rise of the far right, why populist messages are finding fertile ground, and what consequences this has for democracy, civil liberties, and everyday life across the EU.

What are the causes behind the rise of the far right in Europe?

The primary causes behind the growth of the far right in Europe today are neither singular nor simple. They are a combination of social, economic, cultural, and political factors that together create fertile ground for this trend.

One of the most contentious issues in Europe, and globally, is the heated question of migrants, migration, and how to address concerns that many citizens perceive as threats to their way of life. Following the migration crisis of the mid-2010s, fears surrounding border control, national identity, job loss, and distrust of foreigners were used in the rhetoric of radical right parties as evidence that the EU and national governments were “failing to protect their citizens” effectively. This opened space for narratives offering simple answers and hardline policies toward immigrants.

Even today, the situation remains far from resolved. Europe, which was largely unprepared when it opened its doors, inadvertently handed the far right a powerful tool to turn the situation to its advantage and attract those dissatisfied with how events unfolded.

The perceived failure of the EU asylum system and the lack of coordinated migration policy created a sense that Brussels and national governments had lost control over the flow of people and goods. This gave right-wing movements a strong argument for stricter border control and the rejection of multicultural norms. Fear of losing national identity, combined with religious differences between migrants and the domestic population, further divided public opinion and increased demand for more authoritarian solutions.

Another factor that boosted the popularity of conservative and right-wing movements was the political climate in the United States. The election victory of Donald Trump and the momentum of the MAGA movement provided additional encouragement to right-wing movements across Europe. His global narrative of cultural conflict and nationalism, along with transnational networks supporting radical right ideologies, found receptive audiences across the European continent and contributed to strengthening these forces.

Demographic changes, stagnating real incomes, and a growing sense of economic insecurity gradually created a gap between traditional political elites and segments of the electorate. This opened the door to populist conservative messages that sounded simple and convincing.

Workers and the middle class, who for decades have felt that politics delivers few tangible results for them, proved particularly vulnerable to rhetoric promising “national renewal” and a “halt to decline.” In many countries, traditional social-democratic and centrist parties failed to articulate clear programs to address these challenges, leading voters to seek answers on the margins of the political spectrum.

Beyond economic concerns, many voters feel pressure from cultural and identity changes related to multiculturalism and global values. The right often channels these feelings into calls for national sovereignty, tradition, and cultural homogeneity instead of pluralism, which triggers strong emotional reactions and support among a part of the population.

Euroscepticism and criticism of EU integration also play a significant role, as right-wing movements use these sentiments to attract those dissatisfied with the European Union.

In addition, on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and climate change, the right often maintains firmly conservative positions, drawing support from those who oppose progressive social policies.

This entire situation has led to former political outsiders and opposition figures joining governing coalitions across Europe, entering parliaments, and becoming influential actors in the most important decision-making processes.

The picture was made by the author with the help of an AI program

European countries where the right has become a major political force

• In Italy, Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d’Italia) is the dominant political force with national-conservative and right-populist platforms. Led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the party combines strong patriotism with a critical stance toward EU integration and a clear focus on protecting “tradition, family, and national identity.” Recent polls place it at close to 30% support, making it the strongest political actor in the country.

  
  

• In Germany, Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), led by Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, has emerged as a serious political challenger to mainstream parties. In eastern states such as Saxony-Anhalt, AfD has polled significantly ahead of traditional parties like CDU and SPD, with some surveys showing support exceeding 40%. The party’s positions on Russia, NATO, and Brussels contribute to further polarization of the electorate.

  
  

• In France, National Rally (Rassemblement National), founded by Marine Le Pen and currently led by Jordan Bardella, has positioned itself as the largest opposition force, particularly on issues of security, immigration, and “French sovereignty.” The party remains a significant force at the national level and could play a decisive role in future parliamentary and presidential contests.

  
  

• In Austria, the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) under Herbert Kickl holds a strong parliamentary position and exerts considerable influence on national politics.

  
  

• In the Netherlands, the Party for Freedom (PVV) led by Geert Wilders has become one of the leading political actors with a strong anti-immigration and eurosceptic agenda, winning a significant number of parliamentary seats.

  
  

• In Finland, the Finns Party has become an important coalition partner in government, focusing on immigration and national identity.

  
  

• In the Czech Republic, Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) and other right-wing forces exert notable parliamentary influence and often position themselves as key players in coalition building.

  
  

• In Bulgaria and Slovakia, right-wing and ultra-nationalist parties have also become part of the broader political spectrum, holding parliamentary representation and influencing coalition negotiations.

  
  

Many of these parties are aligned with larger political groups in the European Parliament, such as the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) and Identity and Democracy (ID), where they influence key decisions on migration, the economy, and foreign policy.

Consequences of the rise of the right and its impact on European democracy

The rise of the far right in Europe over the past several years has left clear and deep marks on democratic institutions, social relations, and the political stability of the Union. This is not an abstract phenomenon happening “somewhere far away.” Their presence is changing how parliaments function, how laws are passed, and how ordinary people perceive their freedoms and rights.

Throughout human history, whenever economic conditions deteriorated, when poverty and hardship spread, political forces advocating conservatism, right-wing orientation, traditionalism, and a return to the past have tended to rise to the surface. Their ascent is often rapid because they offer seemingly simple and quick solutions to complex problems, frequently by identifying a group of people, minorities, religions, or races as the source of blame.

As history has shown, such quick solutions have often led to persecution and, in extreme cases, genocide, as witnessed during the Second World War. Regardless of how quickly right-wing movements have risen, their collapse has often come even faster, but at a tremendous human cost.

With these lessons in mind, it is worth thinking carefully the next time we choose our political representatives, and whether it is wise to place our trust in the far right.