Impact of the far right in the European elections: Is there a shift in political and economic direction in the EU?

The European elections have come once again, marking a crucial moment in the political life of the European Union. Since the establishment of the European Parliament in 1979, citizens of the member countries have had the opportunity to directly elect their representatives, playing a fundamental role in decision-making and shaping the future of the continent. However, on this occasion, the elections have sparked particular interest due to the rise of the far right and the possible implications this could have on the political and economic direction of the EU. Projections indicate that far-right parties could make significant advances in these elections, raising questions about how this would affect the European political landscape in the coming years. While it is true that the far right tends to be fragmented and does not manage to impose its weight uniformly in the Parliament, its rise could have indirect consequences on the EU's political agenda. One of the possible repercussions would be the influence they would exert on other political parties, forcing them to adjust their positions to align with the preferences of the far right. This phenomenon has already been observed in some member countries, where traditionally centrist parties have adopted stricter measures on immigration or sought alliances with populist right-wing forces. In the economic sphere, the shifting distribution of political forces could have a significant impact in three key areas. Firstly, environmental policy, led by the Green Deal, could come under pressure to give way to the demands of companies and consumers, potentially shifting the focus away from decarbonization and environmental protection. Secondly, the European trade approach could experience adjustments in response to the rise of the far right. The EU's position in trade agreements, especially in relation to China and other trading partners, could be influenced by the protectionist and nationalist stances of these parties. Finally, the EU's budget negotiations for the coming years would also be affected by the new political composition of the Parliament. The allocation of funds and spending priorities could change, reflecting the preferences of right-wing parties on issues such as defense, industrial policy, and infrastructure. Ultimately, this year's European elections could mark a turning point in EU policy, with potential changes in the political and economic agenda driven by the rise of the far right. As national leaders and MEPs begin to negotiate and define the future direction of Europe, it will be crucial to observe how these dynamics unfold and what effects they will have on the lives of European citizens. Democracy works, and it is everyone's responsibility to exercise their right to vote to influence the future of the European Union.