Euroscepticism and Nationalist Populism

Abstract

In recent years Eurosceptic parties have gained significant ground in national and European Parliament elections in many EU countries. This trend is related to the effects of the ongoing economic crisis, which has drastically affected the political and electoral behaviour of citizens across Europe. The increased migrant and refugee flows to the EU from African and Asian countries have also played a significant role in the growning success of the above mentioned parties. Nationalist and populist voices have gained strength as public perceptions of European integration seem to have changed for the worse. In many cases, Eurosceptic political parties are calling for the dissolution of the EU or at least a curtailing of its ultra-national character. The chapter recommends that mainstream parties deal with the issues raised by the populist parties rather than tackling populism as a political opponent, and that they use simpler—but not simplistic—language.