УДК 32

The rise of nationalistic sentiments as a factor of the EU disintegration

Астраханцева Ангелина Викторовна – студентка Московского Государственного Института Международных Отношений.

Abstract: The article examines the current socio-political and economic situation in the European Union as the main reason for the growth of nationalistic sentiments. Particular attention is paid to the migration crisis and economic problems in Europe, since they lead to increasing popularity of right-wing political parties and Eurosceptic tendencies. The study concluded that the rise of nationalism caused disintegration and jeopardized the EU cohesion.

Аннотация: В статье рассматривается актуальная социально-политическая и экономическая ситуация в рамках Европейского союза как основная причина роста националистических настроений. Особое внимание уделяется миграционному кризису и усиливающемуся социальному расслоению между государствами-членами ЕС, так как данные явления во многом способствуют повышению популярности евроскептицизма и правых политических партий. По результатам исследования было заключено, что подъем националистических настроений ведет к дезинтеграции и представляет угрозу целостности Европейского союза.

Keywords: nationalism, Euroscepticism, integration, right-wing political parties, economic disparity, migrant crisis.

Ключевые слова: национализм, евроскептицизм, интеграция, правые политические партии, экономическое неравенство, миграционный кризис.

In the 21st century, nationalism has become a significant force that shapes the dynamics of integration in the European Union. So, it is important to understand the characteristics of modern nationalism, examine the reasons for its rise in European countries, and analyse how nationalistic sentiments can lead to disintegration as a response to the current challenges faced by the EU.

Modern nationalism is characterized by a strong sense of identity and loyalty to one's nation [1]. It often emphasizes the defence of national sovereignty, cultural heritage and the preservation of traditional values. In the 21st century, nationalism has taken new forms with the rise of populist leaders and the use of social media as a platform for disseminating nationalist ideologies [2]. While historically it has been associated with advocating for independence and self-determination, in recent times it has taken a more divisive and exclusionary form.

Nowadays, nationalism often emphasizes the protection and promotion of one's own cultural, political, and economic interests over those of others. It promotes national cohesion and is usually based on the idea of uniting against a common enemy. It seeks to create a strong, homogeneous national identity, and distance itself from international cooperative efforts such as European integration or globalization. Nationalism advocates the creation and maintenance of a single national identity based on shared social characteristics such as culture, language, religion, politics and belief in a common history.

The rise of nationalism within certain EU countries has become increasingly evident in recent years. It can be attributed to several factors.

First and foremost, the growth of nationalistic sentiments occurred against the backdrop of the problem of migrants in Europe and an attempt to protect the interests of the titular nations. The influx of refugees and migrants seeking asylum has caused social and cultural tensions, leading to increased polarization within societies. Thus, perceived loss of national identity have increased nationalistic sentiment in some countries, as seen in the cases of Brexit in the UK and the rise of the far right in countries such as France and Germany [3]. Statistics show that in France a far-right party “National Rally” takes more than 15% of seats in the National Assembly. In Germany, a right-wing populist political party “Alternative for Germany” holds more than 10% of seats.

Additionally, economic problems such as globalization and growing income inequality have led to a sense of insecurity among certain segments of society. Political dissatisfaction caused by perceptions of distant and unresponsive EU institutions has also played a role. For example, in countries like Hungary and Poland, nationalist leaders have exploited these fears and successfully gained political power, adopting policies that promote nativism and xenophobia as a means to re-establish national sovereignty. In Hungary, the right-wing Fidesz-KDNP Party Alliance forms the government and holds almost 70% of seats. The Polish “United Right” also forms the government and holds 46% of seats.

Moreover, the EU, as an organization founded on the principles of cooperation and integration, has faced a multitude of challenges in recent times. The financial crisis that swept across Europe in 2008, followed by the subsequent eurozone crisis, exposed the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of the EU's economic and monetary framework. These crises negatively impacted living standards in many member states, leading to a disillusion with the EU project and an increase in nationalistic sentiments.

Nationalism, acting as a response to these challenges, may push for the disintegration of the EU, as nationalistic rhetoric has influenced the rise of political parties across Europe that seek to undermine the EU's authority and weaken its resolve for integration. Eurosceptic sentiments are gaining momentum. Taking soft Eurosceptic parties into account, it has gone from around 7 % to 27 % in 2022 [4].

Since Europe faces numerous challenges, such as political divisions, economic differences between member states and migration flows, nationalistic sentiments can exacerbate these problems. For example, voting Brexit was driven by Eurosceptic sentiments and led to the UK's dissolution from the EU [5]. Similarly, some nationalist parties in eastern European countries took office against EU directives, challenging the principles of solidarity and integration. In particular, the countries of the Visegrad Group – Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary – in many ways, especially in terms of the effectiveness of political and economic cooperation, represent an alternative type of integration within Eastern Europe.

So, now we can witness the Right turn in Europe – an informal designation of the trend observed in the countries of Europe, expressed in a certain increase in the influence of right-wing parties and movements, due to the crisis of neoliberalism. “In recent decades, centrists and socialists have been increasingly in power there, and countries where right-wingers are at the helm are acting as a thorn in the side,” reports BBC (2022).

The right-wing populist “Alternative for Germany” breaks popularity records in Germany. For the first time it has become the second most popular party in the country. Its rating exceeded the level of support for the ruling Social Democratic Party, reaching a figure of 22% with 18% for the Social Democrats. This is evidenced by the latest INSA polls of July 22, 2023. At the same time, the question of banning the party arises. Only the opposition conservative CDU/CSU bloc is more popular, supported by 26% of voters.

French “National Front” leader Marine Le Pen, who ran for the French presidency in 2012, 2017, 2022, and now is a member of the National Assembly has already put the current problems of the EU at the service of her Eurosceptic sentiments. Appealing to possible solutions to the pressing problems of ordinary French people, she is consistently a hit with the working class. In 2017, she was noted for her loud statements about the possibility of abandoning the euro, returning to the national currency and restoring customs borders within the European Union as part of the election campaign. It should be mentioned that during the 2022 presidential race, it was she who competed in the second round with the current president Emmanuel Macron. Furthermore, she had quite strong positions. The balance of power was 58.55% against 41.45% in favour of Macron. So, it can be assumed that if the challenges that France faces today are not overcome, the popularity of the right will explosively grow.

Besides, the same tendency is given rise in another European leader – Italy. “Brothers of Italy”, a national-conservative and right-wing populist political party, holds 30% of seats and is part of the government.

Therefore, both the main European powers and the “outsiders of the EU” began to largely share nationalistic sentiments, fuelling the ideas of Euroscepticism. In the face of these challenges, it is important to find a balance between preserving national identity and promoting European integration. The EU must address the concerns of its citizens by ensuring that policies are implemented in a way that takes into account the diverse cultural, economic and political landscapes of its member states. It is vital to strengthen the connection between EU institutions and national governments to promote a sense of ownership and participation among citizens.

Nationalism in the 21st century has taken on a divisive and exclusionary form. The rise of nationalism within the EU can be attributed to factors such as the fear of globalization, economic insecurities, and the refugee crisis. Today it is leading to the growing popularity of Eurosceptic tendencies, which question the need for European political and economic integration and its effectiveness in general. So, Euroscepticism fosters disintegrative processes. Understanding the characteristics of modern nationalism, the reasons for its rise and its potential consequences is crucial for developing effective strategies to address the challenges facing the EU. Promoting dialogue, inclusiveness and a balanced approach between national identity and European integration, the EU can work towards a more cohesive and prosperous future for all its member states. Thus, it is important for the EU to find a way to address these concerns while still striving for integration, as it is imperative for the stability and progress of the European continent.

Literature

Uznarodov I.M. New nationalism in modern Europe. // Modern Europe. 2015. No. 5. – P. 79-90.
Sabansky V.A. Right-wing populism as a phenomenon in modern politics. // Bulletin of Science. 2023. No. 10 (67) Volume 5. – P. 516-521.
Busch K., Knelangen W. German Euroscepticism. // European Studies. 2004. – P. 83-98.
European commission. // The development trap: a cause of Euroscepticism? (2023). – Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/whats-new/panorama/2023/09/09-06-2023-the-development-trap-a-cause-of-euroscepticism_en (accessed 10 October 2023)
Markakis M. Differentiated Integration and Disintegration in the EU: Brexit, the Eurozone Crisis, and Other Troubles. // Journal of International Economic Law. 2020. Volume 23, Issue 2. – P. 489-507.