The far right is tightening its grip on the EU's institutions, and the recent approval of the harshest migration law in EU history is a clear sign. This shift threatens the very foundations of European integration, which was designed to prevent exactly this kind of exclusionary politics.
The European Parliament's Role in Safeguarding Democracy
The European Parliament, directly elected by nearly 360 million citizens, co-writes EU laws, elects the president of the European Commission, and can dismiss the Commission itself. For decades, a grand coalition of centre-right, socialist, liberal, and green parties governed on the premise of closer cooperation, the rule of law, and a firewall against the far right.
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However, in June, in Strasbourg, that promise was broken. The parliament approved the "return regulation," a law that allows EU countries to deport people to detention centres outside EU territory, placing them beyond judicial protection and public accountability. This is a direct assault on the principles of European integration.
The Rise of the Far Right in EU Politics
The far right's influence has been growing steadily across Europe, with parties like the EPP's rightward shift and the rise of nationalist factions. The EPP, home to Germany's CDU/CSU, has increasingly adopted far-right rhetoric on migration and security, blurring the lines between mainstream and extreme politics.
This quiet shift within the institution is more dangerous than a rightwing putsch because it normalizes exclusionary policies. The political coalition that shaped EU legislation for decades hasn't formally collapsed, but its largest group is now aligning with far-right positions.
The New Migration Regulation: A Turning Point
The "return regulation" is a stark example of this shift. It lets a majority decide who does not belong, putting them beyond the law's reach. After Ceuta, Europe's leaders are demanding it be applied faster, signaling a dangerous precedent.
Key Provisions of the Return Regulation
- Deportation to detention centres outside EU territory
- Reduced judicial oversight and media scrutiny
- Faster processing of asylum claims and returns
- Increased power for national governments over EU law
Comparison: Old vs. New Approach
| Aspect | Old Approach | New Return Regulation |
|---|---|---|
| Detention location | Within EU, under EU law | Outside EU, beyond EU jurisdiction |
| Judicial protection | Full access to EU courts | Limited or no access |
| Media scrutiny | Transparent processes | Reduced transparency |
| Political accountability | EU institutions accountable | Shifted to national governments |
What This Means for Europe's Future
The far right's grip on EU institutions is not just about migration. It threatens the rule of law, human rights, and the very idea of a united Europe. If this trend continues, we could see further erosion of democratic norms and a return to nationalist power politics.
Citizens must stay informed and demand accountability from their elected representatives. The EU was built on the promise of never repeating the past; we must ensure that promise is kept.
How to Stay Informed
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FAQ
What is the return regulation?
The return regulation is an EU law that allows member states to deport migrants to detention centres outside EU territory, reducing their access to judicial protection and public oversight.
How is the far right gaining influence in the EU?
The far right is gaining influence through mainstream parties like the EPP adopting far-right rhetoric on migration and security, normalizing exclusionary policies within the European Parliament.
Why is this a threat to European integration?
European integration was designed to prevent majority rule from deciding who belongs. The return regulation undermines this by allowing a majority to exclude people and place them beyond the law's reach, threatening the rule of law and human rights.
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