The rise of the far right in Europe: What future awaits the European Union?

The far right in Europe is on the rise, and the political landscape on the continent is increasingly influenced by this phenomenon. With the upcoming elections to the European Parliament on the horizon, a wave of concern and speculation has been generated about what this advancement could mean for the future of the European Union and its policies. Young people, particularly millennials and Generation Z, seem to be one of the demographic groups most likely to vote for right-wing parties. According to recently collected data, a significant number of young voters in countries such as France, the Netherlands, and Germany are expected to lean towards the far right in these elections. This shift in young voters' electoral preferences could have a lasting impact on the political configuration of the EU. One of the issues that resonates strongly among European voters is the environment and energy transition. Concerns about the cost of environmental policies and their impact on sectors such as agriculture have led to demonstrations and pressure on the EU to review strict regulations. Nationalist right-wing parties have capitalized on this concern by presenting themselves as defenders of the "common people" against European elites. In the realm of migration and asylum, the increased presence of the far right in the European Parliament could have significant implications. Parties like the PVV in the Netherlands have promised tougher migration policies, which could challenge solidarity and cooperation among EU member states on this issue. Regarding security and defense, uncertainty about the United States' commitment to NATO under the presidency of Donald Trump has led to increased awareness in the EU about the need for a stronger defense of its own. However, the possible influence of the far right on European security policies raises questions about international cooperation and stability in the region. Divisions within European far-right parties, marked by ideological and leadership differences, also pose challenges for joint action in the European Parliament. The variety of positions, from the most radical nationalism to more moderate approaches, hinders the consolidation of a unified force that can drive significant changes in the EU. In the midst of this complex political landscape, the upcoming elections to the European Parliament will be a crucial barometer to measure the extent and influence of the far right in the decision-making of the European Union. The outcome of these elections could mark a turning point in the continent's political direction and define the priorities and challenges that the EU will face in the coming years. Citizen participation and informed voting will be essential to shape the future of Europe in a context of growing polarization and ideological divergences.