The EU's Struggle with Identity: A Shift Towards Xenophobia and Ethnic Nationalism?

[Social Media]

 

A recent report by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) and the European Cultural Foundation (ECF) warns that the European Union (EU) is increasingly adopting a more closed and ethnocentric understanding of “Europeanness,” a shift that could threaten the very fabric of the European project. This shift towards xenophobia, bolstered by rising far-right political influence and declining youth engagement, challenges the EU’s foundational values of universalism, equality, and secularism.

 

The report, shared exclusively with *The Guardian*, identifies three core blind spots across the bloc: the overwhelming “whiteness” of EU politics, low engagement from younger voters, and a lukewarm pro-Europeanism in central and eastern Europe. These elements, the report argues, are converging to produce a more ethnic and exclusionary sentiment in the EU, risking the erosion of the bloc’s core principles.

 

Pawel Zerka, the report’s author and a senior ECFR policy fellow, states, “If the economy is the EU’s engine, then ‘European sentiment’ should be seen as its fuel. And what is currently happening to European sentiment requires urgent attention – otherwise we risk running out of fuel, or running on dirty fuel.” This “European sentiment,” according to Zerka, embodies the sense of belonging to a shared future and common values. Yet, these values are being questioned, especially in light of rising xenophobia and the EU’s apparent lack of diversity.

 

While there is evidence of continued trust in the EU across its member states—evidenced by a 51% voter turnout in this year’s European Parliament elections—there are growing signs of dissatisfaction. Many feel excluded or disconnected, particularly people of color, Muslims, and young voters. The report highlights how Muslims have been alienated, especially following a surge of xenophobic rhetoric after the Hamas attack on Israel in October. Far-right political victories in France, Italy, Belgium, and Hungary have amplified anti-immigration and anti-Muslim sentiments across the continent, further stoking the flames of exclusionary politics.

 

The report also points to the underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities within EU institutions, noting that only 3% of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) come from these groups, despite making up 10% of the EU population. This lack of diversity, when compared to more inclusive arenas like the Eurovision Song Contest or European sports, underscores the EU’s struggle to reflect the demographics of its citizens.

 

In central and eastern Europe, pro-European sentiment is waning. Voter turnout in EU elections in this region remains low, with Euroscepticism on the rise in countries like Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Croatia. Similarly, although younger voters are typically more tolerant and pro-EU, they are increasingly disillusioned with mainstream politics, often turning to radical right or left-wing parties, further complicating the EU's future.

 

Zerka’s report, titled *Welcome to Barbieland*, draws a parallel between the EU’s idealized vision and the harsher reality that is emerging. The report warns that the EU’s identity could shift towards a more ethnic-based conception of Europe, in which xenophobia flourishes unchecked. To counter this, the report urges political parties to diversify their voting bases, engage young people more actively, and resist the temptation to remain silent on issues like migration and diversity.

Ultimately, the EU must take decisive action to reclaim its founding values, or it risks either a collapse of its sentiment entirely or, worse, seeing that sentiment survive only in a closed and xenophobic form.

 

Based on a report from: The Guardian 2024-09-27

 

 

 

[JonnyF]

Typical Guardian pearl clutching. 

 

Right wing parties are gaining ground because of the complete failures of the left on immigration, resulting in some European cities now resembling a more violent version of skid row. 

 

Murray predicted this. Nobody listened. They made their bed, now they have to lie in it. 

 

 

 

[herfiehandbag]

European public opinion is moving away from accepting the European Community mantras on open borders and what was previously effectively unrestricted mass immigration, particularly of young single men.

 

I do rather suspect that may not be entirely unconnected with the habit of bombings, massacre attacks and public executions of teachers (Samuel Party) and those who may not uphold their values (Theo van Gogh) as witnessed in France and The Netherlands. France and it's young people may be a determinedly secular society, but they don't hold with burning churches and butchering elderly priests at the altars whilst saying Mass. Across the continent there is growing opposition to the widespread rape which accompanies these gangs of young men ( they do like their young white women).

 

The European Union should take heed of these views amongst their populations, rather than brand them as misguided and xenophobic. 

Edited 2 hours ago by herfiehandbag

[JonnyF]

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

The report, shared exclusively with *The Guardian*, identifies three core blind spots across the bloc: the overwhelming “whiteness” of EU politics, low engagement from younger voters, and a lukewarm pro-Europeanism in central and eastern Europe.

 

Lukewarm Pro-Europeanism? 😄😃

 

They can't stand the EU. With good reason. 

 

The EU is on thin ice. Very thin ice. Either they accept the public mood and act upon it, or they just label them bigots and xenophobes, put their fingers in their ears and continue on the same path. I suspect it will be the latter, and that could well start the crumbling of the house of cards.  

 

Which would be a terrible shame .