European Western Balkans – “The Far-Right in Germany and Across the EU: A threat to future enlargements?”

The European Western Balkans published an article titled “The Far-Right in Germany and Across the EU: A threat to future enlargements?”, authored by Ioannis Alexandris (Research Fellow, South-East Europe Programme – ELIAMEP) within the framework of the initiative think nea – New Narratives of EU Integration. The article is based on the report “The Rise of Radical Right and Eurosceptic Political Forces and the Impact on the EU’s Enlargement Policy“, examining the growing influence of far-right Eurosceptic parties across the EU and its implications for the Union’s enlargement process.

The article explores how the rise of far-right parties in key EU member states—including Germany, France, and Italy—is reshaping the political landscape and influencing critical EU policies, including enlargement. While these parties have historically opposed deeper EU integration, their increasing role in government coalitions and their ability to pressure mainstream parties signal a shift in how enlargement decisions are shaped. The case of Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) is particularly examined, highlighting the CDU’s recent willingness to adopt tougher stances on migration, a move that could have broader consequences for Germany’s role in EU decision-making. Furthermore, the article discusses public scepticism toward enlargement, the impact of Donald Trump’s return to office, and how economic factors, particularly competition over EU subsidies, play a role in shaping far-right opposition to new member states.

With EU enlargement becoming an increasingly politicized issue, the article underscores the importance of elections in key member-states such as Germany, as any policy shifts in Berlin could have significant consequences for Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova’s accession prospects.

You can read the full article here.