Fringe Parties Gain Ground: Impact on EU Relations with Russia and China

Rise of Fringe Parties in the European Parliament

The recent European elections have highlighted a significant shift in political dynamics, with fringe parties making considerable gains. Both right-wing populists and left-wing factions have seen an increase in their representation, which poses potential challenges for the European Union's unified stance on issues like arms deliveries and relations with Russia and China.

Sahra Wagenknecht, representing the BSW, secured 6.2% of the votes in the European elections, indicating a significant shift from her former party, the Left. Her statements on ARD about negotiating with Russian President Vladimir Putin underscore the growing influence of parties sympathetic to Moscow. The triumph of the BSW and right-wing populist parties potentially signals a change in the tone of the European Parliament, with both factions expressing a desire to reestablish economic relations with Russia, despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Influence of Russia and China on European Politics

The gains of these fringe parties have not gone unnoticed by Moscow and Beijing. Putin has long courted the right-wing parties in Europe, while China has been discreetly active in establishing ties across the political spectrum, from left-wing parties to right-wing populist opposition parties. A study by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation and the Czech Association for International Affairs highlights Beijing's efforts to portray a positive image of its authoritarian state, aiming to influence public opinion and gain political leverage in the EU.

Foreign policy expert Katharina Osthoff from the Naumann Foundation warns that the shift to the far right and the pro-China tendencies could make it increasingly difficult to maintain a critical policy towards these countries. Although these parties lack the majority to overturn sanctions against Russia, they have gained more weight and speaking time, potentially spreading pro-Russian and pro-China narratives within the European Parliament.

Divisions and Dynamics Within the Right-Wing Factions

There are notable divisions within the right-wing factions themselves. The European Conservatives and Reformers (ECR), which includes the Polish PiS, the Spanish Vox, and Italy's Fratelli d'Italia, have largely supported the EU's foreign policies. However, the far-right Identity and Democracy (ID) faction has shown mixed signals, with members like AfD's Maximilian Krah regularly voting against the EU's policy on Russia. This demonstrates internal divides on key issues, even among those with ideological overlaps regarding Western lifestyle and social diversity.

In Spain, the extreme right's rise reflects broader European trends. The far-right Vox party gained six deputies, while a new group, 'The party is over,' led by social media figure Alvise Pérez, secured three seats. These gains, alongside those of other fringe parties, signal a potential shift towards more fragmented and polarized politics within the European Union.

As these parties gain more influence, the overall balance of power in the European Parliament and its stance on foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia and China, could see significant shifts. The normalization of extreme right and left positions may also alter the dynamics of EU political relations with global powers.