The latest EU elections have delivered a significant blow to centrist and left-leaning parties, with far-right factions gaining substantial ground. Countries like France, Italy and Germany have seen notable swings towards these movements. This trend poses a serious question: what does this mean for human rights in the European Union?

Far-right parties, characterised by their nationalist, anti-immigration, and often Eurosceptic positions, have made significant electoral gains. For instance, in France, Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National has surged, pushing President Emmanuel Macron to call for a snap parliamentary election due to the instability caused by this shift. In Italy, Giorgia Meloni’s party Fratelli d’Italia (Brothers of Italy) has seen a remarkable rise in support, reflecting a broader European configuration. This pattern indicates a significant change in the political landscape of Europe, with far-reaching implications for human rights and democratic norms. Moreover, despite a series of controversies involving its two front-runners for the EU legislature, the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party managed to gain ground.

What is at stake?
The rise of far-right movements threatens to undermine key human rights principles that the EU stands for, such as:

Fair immigration policies - far-right parties often advocate for strict immigration controls and the closure of borders. This can lead to policies that discriminate against refugees and asylum seekers, violating their rights to safety and shelter. The hardline stance on immigration can result in harsher conditions for those trying to escape war, persecution, and poverty. For example, Italy’s strict immigration policies have already led to numerous instances where boats carrying refugees were turned away, leaving people stranded at sea in dire conditions.

Freedom of expression - far-right groups frequently support restrictive measures against the media and dissenting voices, challenging the fundamental right to freedom of speech. This can create an environment where journalists and activists face increased risks of censorship, harassment, or even violence. In Hungary, Viktor Orbán’s government has been accused of undermining media freedom and using state resources to silence critics, setting a worrying precedent for other EU countries.

Minority rights - far-right parties often target minority communities, including ethnic, religious, and LGBTQ+ groups, fostering environments of exclusion and discrimination. This can lead to increased hate crimes, social polarisation, and a rollback of rights for these vulnerable groups. For instance, Poland's ruling Prawo i Sprawiedliwość (Law and Justice) Party has faced criticism for its anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies, which have contributed to a hostile environment for individuals from these communities.

Broader impact
The implications of this political shift are far-reaching and multifaceted:

National policies - far-right victories influence national policies, leading to more restrictive laws on immigration and civil liberties. These policies can dismantle decades of progress made in human rights protections. In France, the Rassemblement National’s rise has already led to discussions about implementing more stringent immigration laws and reducing social welfare benefits for non-citizens.

EU cohesion - these movements threaten the unity of the EU by promoting nationalist agendas over collective European values. The increasing prominence of far-right parties can strain relationships between member states, making it more challenging to reach consensus on critical issues like climate change, economic policy and international relations. This division can weaken the EU's ability to act as a cohesive force on the global stage.

Global influence - Europe's stance on human rights sets a benchmark globally. A decline in these standards can weaken international human rights norms. If the EU, traditionally seen as a human rights champion, begins to falter in its commitments, other countries may follow suit, leading to a global decline in human rights protection. This can have severe implications for international efforts to address issues like human trafficking, refugee crises and systemic discrimination.

Who is affected?
The most vulnerable groups, such as women, immigrants, refugees and minorities, are directly impacted by the rise of far-right movements. Stricter immigration laws can lead to more dangerous conditions for those seeking asylum, as they are forced to take riskier routes and face greater uncertainty. For instance, the Mediterranean Sea has become a graveyard for thousands of refugees trying to reach Europe, with far-right policies contributing to the lack of safe and legal pathways for migration.

Minority communities, including ethnic, religious and LGBTQ+ groups, face increased discrimination and marginalisation. Hate crimes can become more frequent and severe, as far-right rhetoric emboldens individuals and groups to act on their prejudices.

The broader public also suffers as democratic norms and freedoms come under threat. The erosion of free speech, judicial independence, and the rule of law can lead to a more authoritarian and less accountable government. This undermines the foundation of democracy and can have long-term consequences for political stability and social cohesion in Europe.

Pathways forward
Despite these challenges, there are ways to counter this trend and protect human rights:

Strong civic engagement - encouraging voter participation and civic activism can help counterbalance the rise of extremist views. Grassroots movements, non-governmental organisations, and civil society groups are crucial in mobilising citizens and advocating for inclusive and rights-respecting policies. By fostering a culture of active citizenship, communities can resist the allure of far-right ideologies and promote democratic values.

Policy reform - EU institutions and national governments must work together to uphold human rights standards and combat discriminatory policies. This includes strengthening legal frameworks to protect minorities, ensuring access to justice for all individuals and promoting inclusive social policies. Additionally, governments should invest in education and awareness campaigns to counter hate speech and misinformation that often fuel far-right movements.

International collaboration - Strengthening alliances with global human rights organisations can provide additional support and pressure to maintain the EU's human rights commitments. International bodies like the United Nations and the Council of Europe can offer guidance, resources, and oversight to help EU countries adhere to their human rights obligations. Collaboration with other democratic nations can also bolster efforts to promote human rights and democracy worldwide.

The rise of far-right movements in the EU is a critical issue that threatens the very fabric of human rights in the region. While the political landscape is shifting, there is still hope. By fostering civic engagement, advocating for policy reforms and collaborating internationally, the EU can strive to uphold its commitment to human rights and democracy. This commitment is essential for the wellbeing of those within the EU and for setting a positive example for the rest of the world. The fight to protect human rights in the face of rising extremism is crucial, and the actions taken today will shape the future of the Old Continent.

A beacon of hope comes from the recent legislative elections in France, where despite the rise of far-right movements, centrist and left-leaning parties managed to hold the line, demonstrating a strong commitment to democratic values and human rights. This unification of diverse political forces successfully countered the far-right surge, reinforcing France’s dedication to the principles that underpin the European Union. In stark contrast, Germany’s recent state elections, particularly in Brandenburg, painted a different picture. Here, the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) gained significant ground, reflecting deep societal divisions and signaling a growing challenge to the EU’s cohesion. While France’s elections offered a moment of resilience, Germany’s electoral shift underscores the mounting pressures from nationalist, anti-EU sentiments that threaten to fragment the EU.

This post is the first in a new series from our regional correspondents. We are delighted to publish it. We are also delighted to be continuing with the correspondents’ scheme, which provides a paid training opportunity for Global Campus alumni.

The scheme works as follows. After an open competition, alumni are chosen—one for each Global Campus region. These alumni work with Dr. Rosie Cowan, the blog’s English-language editor. Rosie, a Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast and former Guardian journalist, mentors the alumni, offering advice as they select topics, prepare drafts and then finalise their work for publication.

Regular readers of the blog will recognise two of the correspondents in this fourth series; they were appointed in previous rounds and are staying on to benefit from further training. There will also be new alumni correspondents; we look forward to introducing them to you.

This week we are delighted to publish the first of a number of posts by Chiara Passuello, the blog’s regional correspondent for Europe. Upcoming posts by Chiara will examine issues such as the EU’s stance on human rights amid conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine and the EU climate politics.

The GCHRP Editorial Team

Cite as: Passuello, Chiara. "The rise of far-right movements in the EU: human rights at stake in the old continent?", GC Human Rights Preparedness, 10 October 2024, https://gchumanrights.org/gc-preparedness/preparedness-civil-and-political-rights/article-detail/the-rise-of-far-right-movements-in-the-eu-human-rights-at-stake-in-the-old-continent.html