Disinformation is fuelling Europe’s rightward shift – and threating Balkan accession

Between 6 and 9 June 2024, across the European Union, just under 400 million people voted in European Parliamentary elections to elect 720 MEPs.

Far-right parties made gains, though not as extensive as expected. They saw notable advances in Italy, France, and Germany, but overall, the EU picture is more complex. Far-right parties topped the polls in five countries and were runners-up in five others, primarily at the expense of liberal and green parties. Despite the anticipated surge not materialising, the long-term trend shows growing support for anti-establishment, populist, and Eurosceptic parties across Europe.

This is concerning, particularly as centrist parties increasingly adopt far-right ideas and rhetoric. For Balkan nations striving for EU accession, this trend could complicate efforts, as rising far-right influence may foster resistance to further enlargement and undermine integration prospects.

Russian propaganda, through a network of pro-Kremlin media outlets and social media platforms, has played a pivotal role in this transformation, manipulating public opinion and deepening political polarisation. According to the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), disinformation reached unprecedented levels in the lead-up to the 2024 European Parliament elections.

Notably, the Pravda network, identified by France’s VIGINUM group, has been instrumental in spreading pro-Russian narratives and destabilising EU political discourse. Amongst the fabricated stories that recently emerged were claims about EU President Ursula von der Leyen’s supposed links to Nazism and fabricated allegations of election irregularities.

The surge in support for far right and Eurosceptic parties in the June 2024 elections reflects their growing influence over European politics. Germany’s AfD, Hungary’s Fidesz, and other right-wing factions have consolidated their positions, collectively securing 156 seats in the European Parliament—surpassing the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group.

As these parties gain traction, their influence threatens to disrupt established political coalitions and encourage national governments to adopt more Eurosceptic positions.

The rise of far-right parties has also created a more hostile environment for accession candidates. Disinformation campaigns targeting these nations often exaggerate or distort issues related to their EU membership, and Western Balkan nations—Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia—in return face heightened resistance from a more Eurosceptic and right-leaning Europe.

Addressing the interconnected issues of disinformation, far-right politics, and EU enlargement is urgent. European governments and institutions must prioritise counteracting foreign disinformation and strengthening public resilience. This involves implementing robust policies to address the impact of disinformation on both domestic and international fronts, enhancing media literacy, and promoting fact-checking initiatives.

Simultaneously, support for the integration of Western Balkan nations into the EU must be reinforced to ensure their paths to membership are not obstructed by external manipulation or internal political shifts. The EU must remain committed to its enlargement strategy, recognising its significance for regional stability and security amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

As Europe faces a revolving door of new challenges, a united effort to uphold democratic values and support the accession of Western Balkan countries is essential for fostering a cohesive and resilient European Union.