8 min read — Analysis | EU | Elections
Patriots for Europe: A Radical-Right Shift in the EU’s Political Landscape
As a new dominant force in the EU, can this new coalition redefine immigration policy and national identity?
November 2, 2024 | 16:00
BRUSSELS — “A new era of migration is here,” declared Patriots for Europe MEP Gerolf Annemans to Euronews ahead of the October 17 summit, the largest gathering of radical-right forces in EU history. Established just four months ago, Patriots for Europe (PfE) has quickly risen to become the third-largest bloc in the European Parliament, rallying influential parties like Hungary’s Fidesz, the Netherlands’ PVV, and France’s National Rally. As immigration concerns intensify, PfE aims to upend the political order and break the Cordon Sanitaire that has long isolated radical-right groups.
Launched on June 30, 2024, in Vienna, Patriots for Europe (PfE) united leaders like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, former Czech PM Andrej Babiš, and Austrian far-right leader Herbert Kickl. They signed a “Patriotic Manifesto for a European Future,” advocating for a restructured EU that emphasizes cultural identity and stricter immigration controls, reflecting growing nationalist sentiments among voters.
Parties such as France’s National Rally, Italy’s Lega, Spain’s Vox, and the Dutch Party for Freedom quickly joined, forming a more unified radical-right front. By July 2024, National Rally leader Jordan Bardella took over coalition leadership, with Orbán and Marine Le Pen shaping its strategic vision, as reported by Euractiv. Notably, Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) was excluded due to its extreme views and problematic ties with the National Rally, according to Eunews.
PfE now represents the largest coalition of nationalist parties in EU history, promoting strict immigration policies and cultural preservation. This explainer examines the coalition’s potential to reshape EU immigration and national sovereignty policies. While PfE leaders declined interviews, we consulted political scientist Sarah de Lange from the University of Amsterdam for insights on European populism and radical-right politics.
The Patriots Agenda
The Patriots for Europe (PfE) group has taken a strong stance against the upcoming Pact on Migration and Asylum, set to take effect in 2026. This pact aims to establish a unified asylum policy across EU member states, enhancing border security and managing migrant flows. PfE leaders, however, see it as a serious infringement on national sovereignty. “The pact is dead,” declared PfE Treasurer Gerolf Annemans, expressing the coalition’s outright rejection of what they view as Brussels’ overreach.
Prominent PfE figures have been vocal in their opposition. Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini stated on social media, “Europe cannot be the refugee camp of the world,” while Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch Party for Freedom (PVV), called for a “total stop” on immigration from Muslim-majority countries, citing cultural preservation. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán went further, labeling immigration an “invasion.” These views resonate with many in the radical-right electorate, who see PfE as defenders of national identity and cultural stability against perceived EU threats.
Research by Eyes on Europe and the Political Studies Association highlights how immigration has become a critical issue for voters across Europe. In Italy, nearly 30% of the population supports the anti-immigration policies of Salvini’s Lega party. Similarly, France’s National Rally garners substantial backing, with 25-30% of voters driven by concerns over immigration. According to political scientist Sarah de Lange, “For many voters, migration is now the defining election issue.”
This trend suggests a powerful voter realignment underway as PfE channels Eurosceptic sentiments and frustrations with the EU’s stance on migration.
Beyond migration, PfE promotes a vision of Europe that emphasizes a confederation of sovereign nations rather than an exit from the EU. This approach aligns with Eurosceptic voters who favor inter-European collaboration but resist a centralized EU governance structure. “These voters want a Europe that respects individual nations, not a centralized Europe,” de Lange explains, summarizing PfE’s focus on decentralizing power while maintaining limited cooperation.
PfE’s populist appeal forms a central part of its strategy. The coalition positions itself as the voice of “ordinary citizens” standing against an EU “elite” disconnected from European realities. This narrative of reclaiming power for citizens from an unaccountable EU resonates with supporters, bolstering PfE’s image as a defender of sovereignty and an advocate for structural EU reform.
Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s Prime Minister and the current President of the Council of Europe, is among PfE’s most influential figures. His role in the coalition, noted by POLITICO, underscores his push for a European model that prioritizes national sovereignty and conservative values. Orbán advocates a restructured EU with diminished Brussels influence, opposing liberal migration and social policies. His presence brings heightened media attention to PfE, yet as political scientist de Lange points out, “The presidency does not mean much for the Patriots for Europe, as Orbán cannot do much extra for this group.” Despite these constraints, his influence continues to shape the coalition’s image and objectives.
In addition to Orbán, PfE includes prominent figures such as Kinga Gál of Hungary’s Fidesz party, Harald Vilimsky from Austria’s Freedom Party, Santiago Abascal of Spain’s Vox, Geert Wilders of the Netherlands’ PVV, and Tom Van Grieken of Belgium’s Vlaams Belang. Together, they advance a Eurosceptic agenda that challenges the current trajectory of European integration.
Fragmentation on the Radical-right
While the Patriots for Europe group has emerged as a significant force in European politics, it reflects the fragmentation that has historically characterized the radical-right landscape. Over the past decade, divisions among right-wing parties have stemmed from differing approaches to key issues like immigration, national sovereignty, and foreign policy.
Immigration policies have often led to tensions, with some factions advocating for stricter controls while others call for a more balanced approach. Similarly, foreign policy disagreements have intensified, particularly regarding the conflict in Ukraine and relations with Russia. While leaders like Matteo Salvini support a robust stance against Russian aggression, others, such as Viktor Orbán, have expressed skepticism about sanctions and emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue with Moscow.
Leadership rivalries, particularly between figures like Jordan Bardella and Orbán, further complicate the coalition’s coherence, exposing ideological divides that challenge its unity. However, despite these historical fractures, the PfE has found common ground in its commitment to national sovereignty and opposition to perceived EU overreach.
By emphasizing core values of nationalism, cultural preservation, and Euroscepticism, PfE leaders have successfully rallied support from diverse factions within the radical-right spectrum. This ability to bond over shared goals not only strengthens the coalition’s influence but also reflects the ongoing evolution of radical-right politics in Europe, allowing them to present a united front on key issues that resonate with a significant base of frustrated voters.
Cordon Sanitaire
The rise of Patriots for Europe (PfE) is highlighting a growing rift among political parties. Supporters view PfE as a necessary pushback against the establishment, championing national sovereignty and stricter immigration policies—stances that appeal to voters frustrated by globalization and traditional parties’ inability to address urgent socio-economic issues.
This momentum has ignited strong backlash from centrist and left-leaning groups, who argue PfE’s hardline immigration stance promotes xenophobia and social division. Research from the Office of Strategic Studies (OSW) warns that the party’s rhetoric could erode Europe’s multicultural values and weaken social cohesion.
In response, centrist and leftist parties have enforced a Cordon Sanitaire, blocking PfE from key parliamentary roles. Backed by the European People’s Party (EPP) and Socialists and Democrats (S&D), this approach aims to shield EU institutions from extremist influence. Critics, however, say this tactic marginalizes a disillusioned electorate. Political scientist De Lange notes that established conservative parties, seeing their base drift toward the radical right, may adjust their positions to win back these voters.
The PfE’s plan to legally challenge the Cordon Sanitaire positions it as a defender of democratic values against elitism. If successful, this legal maneuver could alter power dynamics within the European Parliament, enabling the PfE to exert greater influence over legislative agendas.
Complicating matters are serious allegations of corruption. Viktor Orbán’s government has already been found guilty of misusing EU funds intended for democratic development, while Marine Le Pen faces ongoing investigations. While similar issues occur across the political spectrum, including on the left, the prevalence of these allegations underscores the need for transparency and accountability in all parties. Such corruption raises critical questions about the integrity of the far-right and raises critical questions about their commitment to transparency and democratic norms.
Foreign Influence
The shadow of foreign influence looms large over radical-right parties in Europe. Reports suggest that non-democratic regimes, particularly from Russia and China, may be financially supporting these factions to destabilize EU unity. Political scientist De Lange points out, “Radical right parties often disregard the rules regarding foreign influence and the use of subsidies,” highlighting a significant concern about their commitment to democratic norms.
De Lange provides specific examples to illustrate this point, noting that “a bank associated with Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party has allegedly funneled significant funds to Spain’s Vox party.” She adds that “this kind of financial support not only raises ethical questions but also highlights the dangerous connections these parties are willing to entertain.” Additionally, she mentions that Vlaams Belang appears to have ties to Chinese interests aiming to exert influence in the European Parliament. De Lange articulates the troubling mindset behind these connections: “Their mindset seems to be that ‘the enemy of my enemy is my friend,’ which allows them to forge alliances with non-democratic regimes.” Such collaborations could empower foreign powers to manipulate the EU economically and politically, posing risks to its unity and security.
As the PfE navigates this contentious political landscape, the implications for democracy in Europe remain significant. The rising influence of radical-right ideologies raises important questions about the future of governance on the continent. Supporters of the PfE argue for necessary reforms to address the concerns of disenchanted voters. In contrast, opponents, as De Lange notes, emphasize the importance of “upholding democratic principles and social cohesion.” The ongoing dynamics between the PfE’s rise, the responses of mainstream parties, and the threats of corruption and foreign influence will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of European politics in the coming years.
Future for the right?
When looking at the Patriots group, it becomes clear that the parties within Patriots for Europe actually strive to be patriots for their own nations. Their agenda emphasizes stricter immigration controls and reduced EU oversight, reflecting a growing discontent with traditional parties and EU authority. This ambition resonates with many voters who feel their national identity is under threat amid increasing European integration.
The recent success of radical-right parties in countries like France and Austria, where they’ve secured nearly 30% of the vote, indicates substantial public support for these positions. Sarah de Lange notes, “Research shows that about 35% of citizens are attracted to the positions of these parties. There is certainly still room for growth.” However, translating this momentum into European elections may be challenging, especially given historically lower voter turnout among less politically engaged citizens, which could hinder the coalition’s effectiveness in the European Parliament.
Internal fragmentation within the PfE poses additional risks to its cohesion. Although united in the goal of safeguarding national sovereignty, the coalition faces ideological divides and leadership rivalries that threaten its unity. Backlash from centrist and leftist parties, employing a Cordon Sanitaire strategy, may further alienate disenfranchised voters who feel marginalized by mainstream politics.
The rise of the PfE represents a legitimate demand for change, echoing broader concerns about immigration and national identity in a globalized world. Critics, however, warn that the coalition’s agenda risks undermining the EU’s democratic principles by prioritizing national interests over collective European solutions.
Ultimately, the coalition’s ability to unify and effectively advocate for its agenda will shape its impact on immigration policy and national identity within the EU. As de Lange states, “The intention of Patriots for Europe is to reduce the EU’s power over member states and to safeguard the sovereignty of those countries.” If the PfE successfully navigates these challenges, it could signal a new era of fragmented nationalism, raising critical questions about the future of EU unity and governance. The interplay among radical-right forces, traditional parties, and evolving public sentiment will be crucial in shaping Europe’s political landscape in the years to come.
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Disclaimer: While Euro Prospects encourages open and free discourse, the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or views of Euro Prospects or its editorial board.
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