In recent years, Europe has witnessed a marked resurgence of far-right political movements, gaining momentum through 2024 and into 2025. This wave, driven by fears over immigration, economic instability, and Euroscepticism, now sees far-right parties either forming governments or influencing mainstream politics in numerous countries. From Italy and Austria to France and Poland, the far-right is reshaping the continent’s political landscape, posing critical questions about the future of democracy, social cohesion, and European unity.
Historically, far-right politics have centred around extreme nationalism, authoritarianism, and exclusionary policies that prioritise a narrow conception of national identity, often excluding minorities and immigrants. Post-World War II Europe regarded such ideologies as dangerous and marginal. However, contemporary far-right movements have resurfaced, mirroring earlier themes but adapting to modern contexts, i.e., anti-immigration sentiment, opposition to EU integration, and resistance to progressive cultural changes, underpin much of their appeal.
Several intertwined factors explain the far-right’s ascendancy. The arrival of over a million migrants into the European Union during 2023-2024 intensified public anxieties, particularly in countries like Italy, where small-scale but impactful protests against migrant arrivals have occurred. Economic pressures such as inflation and rising living costs have undermined trust in traditional parties. Coupled with scepticism toward EU policies, especially around migration and environmental regulations, many voters have gravitated toward parties promising a return to national sovereignty and protectionist policies. Cultural backlash against progressive social changes, such as LGBTQ+ rights and climate mandates, further fuels support among traditionalist electorates.
Country-specific examples highlight this trend’s breadth and complexity. Italy’s Brothers of Italy (FdI), led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, combines nationalist rhetoric with anti-immigration policies and currently enjoys about 29% support. Austria’s Freedom Party (FPÖ) is negotiating coalition talks after a strong showing in the 2024 elections. France’s National Rally surged to lead EU parliamentary elections in 2024 but remains blocked from power at the national level. Elsewhere, far-right parties play crucial roles in governments or opposition: the Finns Party in Finland, the Party for Freedom (PVV) in the Netherlands, and Law and Justice (PiS) in Poland exemplify this regional pattern. In some cases, internal far-right challenges, as in Italy’s “United Italy” movement, signal a dynamic and competitive far-right spectrum.
Implications of Far-Right Surge in Europe
Political: With far-right parties pushing for stricter migration controls and sceptical of EU integration, policies across the continent are shifting rightward. This influence extends beyond the far right itself as mainstream conservative parties adopt harsher stances on immigration and nationalism, normalising rhetoric that once was fringe. Democracies face erosion in some states, where authoritarian measures encroach on judicial independence and media freedoms; Hungary and Poland offer cautionary examples.
Social: The far-right’s growth exacerbates social polarisation, fuelling protests and counter-protests, sometimes erupting in violence. Minority groups, including migrants, Muslims, and LGBTQ+ communities, increasingly face discrimination and targeted hate crimes. Public order strains under the pressure of escalating far-right mobilisations, such as mass rallies in the UK or anti-migrant demonstrations in Italy’s Lampedusa.
Economic: Far-right parties advocate for protectionism and tighter border controls, threatening the European Union’s crucial free-trade principles. Enforcement-heavy immigration policies impose budgetary burdens, while populist subsidies and state intervention raise fiscal risks. Political instability stemming from far-right ascendance in countries like Austria and France may also deter investment and hamper economic growth.
International and Long-Term Effects: Geopolitically, closer ties between far-right leaders and figures like former US President Trump could weaken transatlantic unity on critical issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and collective security within NATO. Harsh migration policies risk deepening humanitarian crises and straining relations with neighbouring countries. Over the long term, persistent far-right dominance threatens social cohesion by eroding trust in democratic institutions and fragmenting societies along ethnic and cultural lines. Policy focus on populist themes could stall progress on climate change, demographic shifts, and technological innovation, ultimately undermining Europe’s global competitiveness.
While the far-right’s rise may reflect legitimate grievances about migration, economic hardship, and cultural change, their authoritarian tendencies and exclusionary agendas jeopardise democratic values and social harmony. Effective responses require renewed commitment to inclusive governance, financial resilience, and EU solidarity. As voters navigate a fragmented political terrain, vigilant defence of democratic norms and constructive dialogue across divides are paramount to safeguarding Europe’s future.
The ongoing far-right surge demands close scholarly and public attention. Its trajectory will shape not only electoral results but the very fabric of European democracy for years to come.
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