FACTSHEET Ioannis Alexandris The Rise of Radical Right and Eurosceptic Political Forces and the Impact on the EU’s Enlargement Policy The report“The Rise of Radical Right and Eurosceptic Political Forces and the Impact on the EU’s Enlargement Policy” was prepared in the framework of the initiative think nea – New Narratives of EU Integration by the Hellenic Foundation for European& Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) , supported by the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans . It examines the growing influence of radical right and Eurosceptic political forces within the European Union(EU) and their impact on EU enlargement policy. As these parties continue to gain traction across member states, they are reshaping the political landscape and challenging the long-standing consensus on EU integration. The analysis reviews the recent electoral victories of radical right parties, such as Giorgia Meloni’s Fratelli d’Italia(FdI) in Italy and Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party(PVV) in the Netherlands. These results reflect a broader trend of rising right-wing Euroscepticism, potentially posing substantial challenges to the EU’s enlargement agenda. Key drivers behind this rightward shift include public discontent with immigration, economic disparities, and a perceived loss of national sovereignty. The report explores how these political dynamics could shape the bloc’s decision-making processes, particularly regarding candidate countries seeking EU membership. The radical right’s scepticism over further enlargement raises doubts about the feasibility of integrating countries such as Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly considering ongoing conflicts and political instability. Through an analysis of party manifestos, official statements, and expert interviews, this study identifies major patterns and trends among these parties regarding their views on enlargement. It also highlights key concerns that may resonate with the public, potentially influencing the EU’s future trajectory. Even though several of these parties, including VOX in Spain and the Sweden Democrats, have yet to form cohesive views on enlargement or take explicitly anti­enlargement positions, the issue is likely to become more politicised in the coming years. This is largely due to its connections with other politically sensitive areas for these parties, including migration, fiscal policy, agricultural policy, and national sovereignty, all of which are fundamental to their agendas. Building on its findings, the report concludes that radical right parties share five core thematic concerns shaping their views on EU enlargement: 1. Financial concerns: Opposition to the financial costs associated with the accession of economically weaker states is a common theme among these parties. For example, the PVV in the Netherlands advocates for a “frugal” economic stance, arguing that admitting less developed countries would place an undue burden on net-contributing member states. Similar concerns are echoed by the National Rally(RN) in France, Alternative for Germany(AfD), the Sweden Democrats (SD), and the Freedom Party of Austria(FPÖ), all of which represent net contributors worried about additional budgetary strain. 2. Migration and security: Enlargement is closely tied to migration and freedom of movement, both key issues for radical right parties. The RN frequently associates enlargement with increased illegal immigration and organised crime, aligning this stance with its broader domestic agenda. Similarly, the AfD and FPÖ focus on anti-immigration narratives targeting Muslim populations, while the PVV places more emphasis on perceived cultural and social risks.