The growing influence of the far right in Europe and its possible repercussions

In Europe, political uncertainty looms over the European Parliament elections, as an increasing number of young people seem to be leaning towards far-right parties. Data recently compiled by the Financial Times reveals that a significant percentage of young voters in France, the Netherlands, and Germany are showing their support for the far-right, marking a concerning shift from previous elections. This phenomenon has sparked a great debate about the possible implications of an increase in support for the far-right in the European Parliament. It is expected that these parties will secure a quarter of the seats in the upcoming elections, which could alter the balance of power and the direction of policies in the European Union. One of the most relevant concerns is the impact that this trend change would have on EU environmental policies. As European citizens express concerns about the costs of energy transition, nationalist right-wing parties have capitalized on these concerns to present themselves as defenders of the "common people" against European elites. This has led to the revision and revocation of key environmental regulations, raising concerns among environmental advocates about possible setbacks in the fight against climate change. Another sensitive issue that could be affected by an increase in the far-right in the European Parliament is immigration. Parties like the one led by Geert Wilders in the Netherlands have promised to implement stricter immigration policies, which could have repercussions on the EU's asylum policy and solidarity among member countries. Furthermore, security and defense in Europe could face new challenges if the far-right gains more influence in the Parliament. Uncertainty about the stance of the United States, especially in the event of a potential reelection of Donald Trump, has led to a greater emphasis on strengthening European defense, with possible implications for the transatlantic relationship. Another aspect to consider is the diversity of positions within the nationalist right, which could hinder coordination and the definition of a common agenda in the European Parliament. Charismatic leaders and divergent approaches among different parties could affect the cohesion and influence capacity of this political trend in the EU. In this context of political change and reshuffling of forces in Europe, it is essential to closely monitor the development of the European elections and their potential implications for decision-making at the continental level. The growing popularity of the far-right among young people and the diversity of positions within this political spectrum pose significant challenges for the future of the European Union and its key policies.