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Ah, 2025, finally. Is it the year conservative movements in Europe are poised to ride a triumphant wave or will they face the backlash that stopped them in their tracks ten years ago? Let’s take a stroll through the current landscape and see what the future might hold for Europe’s right-leaning factions, with various examples of European political parties and policies.
The Rightward Drift: A Recap
In case you’ve been living under a rock (or perhaps just blissfully ignoring the news), 2024 was a banner year for Europe’s conservative and far-right parties. The European Parliament elections saw these groups gaining unprecedented support, effectively shifting the political landscape to the right.
This wasn’t just a fluke or a one-off event. The surge was driven by a cocktail of economic stagnation, immigration consequences (such as rising criminality), and a general sense of “we’re not going to tolerate the same old, same old anymore.” Voters across the continent decided that traditional centrist parties were about as useful as a chocolate teapot, leading to significant gains for nationalist, conservative and right-wing factions in general.
Let’s not kid ourselves; the rise of Europe’s right didn’t happen in a vacuum. Charismatic figures like Jordan Bardella in France and Giorgia Meloni in Italy have been instrumental in this ideological shift. Their platforms, steeped in nationalism and armed with sharp critique for the European Union’s policies, have resonated with a populace tired of the status quo.
These leaders have managed to tap into the collective angst of their nations, offering solutions that range from extremely rational to controversial sometimes.
Energy Policy Shifts: Is Green Outdated?
One of the more notable shifts has been in environmental policy. The centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) is pushing to reverse the 2035 ban on combustion engine vehicles, arguing that it puts undue pressure on Europe’s already beleaguered auto industry. Instead, they propose allowing traditional engines that use biofuels and other low-emission alternatives.
This move has been met with a mix of applause and facepalms, depending on which side of the climate debate you find yourself. But it underscores a broader trend: conservative movements are increasingly challenging progressive policies, especially those perceived to harm economic interests.
In the ongoing debate over Europe’s energy future, right-wing factions have increasingly positioned themselves as vocal advocates for nuclear energy. This stance reflects a broader ideological divergence from the green energy policies championed by left-wing and progressive movements. For conservatives, nuclear energy offers a pragmatic solution to Europe’s energy challenges, particularly as the continent grapples with energy security concerns, economic pressures, and the need to reduce carbon emissions.
The rationale for supporting nuclear energy is rooted in its perceived reliability and efficiency. Unlike solar and wind energy, which are subject to weather variability, nuclear power provides a consistent and stable energy supply. This reliability appeals to conservative factions, which often criticize green energy initiatives as unreliable or overly dependent on subsidies. Leaders such as Giorgia Meloni in Italy and Marine Le Pen in France have highlighted the importance of maintaining a diversified energy mix, with nuclear energy as a cornerstone of their strategies to ensure energy independence.
Economic considerations also play a significant role in right-wing support for nuclear power. Many conservative movements argue that the transition to renewable energy has been costly for households and businesses, contributing to inflation and economic strain. By contrast, nuclear energy is seen as a long-term investment that can deliver high energy output with lower operating costs over time. This aligns with conservative priorities of fiscal responsibility and economic competitiveness.
The geopolitical context further bolsters right-wing advocacy for nuclear energy. The energy crisis exacerbated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine underscored Europe’s dependence on external energy sources, particularly natural gas. Nuclear power, largely domestically produced, is viewed as a means of enhancing energy security and reducing reliance on imports from politically unstable regions.
However, this support is not without controversy. Environmentalists and progressive groups often counter that nuclear energy poses significant risks, including the challenges of radioactive waste disposal and the potential for catastrophic accidents. Right-wing factions have addressed these concerns by emphasizing advancements in nuclear technology, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), which promise safer and more flexible deployment.
Immigration Policy Shifts: The Door Seems To Be Closing
At the European Council’s autumn meeting, immigration once again took center stage. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promised new legislation to facilitate deportations, alongside the Migration and Asylum Pact. Despite a decline in irregular entries, the political climate has shifted rightward, enabling a tougher stance on immigration.
Countries like Germany have reinstated border controls, and nations such as the Netherlands and Hungary are seeking to opt out of the Migration and Asylum Pact. It’s a veritable proof of policy shifts, all pointing toward a more conservative approach to who gets to call Europe home.
The issue of undocumented migrants and their association with criminal activity has been a contentious topic in Europe, often fueling political debates and public concern. In recent years, several high-profile public attacks perpetrated by illegals have intensified scrutiny on migration policies, with conservative and far-right factions calling for stricter border controls and deportation measures.
Incidents in France, Germany, and Sweden—where perpetrators of attacks were later identified as undocumented migrants—have sparked national outrage. These cases have ranged from stabbings in public spaces to coordinated acts of violence, often targeting civilians in densely populated areas.
Conservative commentators argue that the lack of proper vetting and background checks for undocumented migrants increases the risk of individuals with violent or extremist tendencies entering Europe. They point to gaps in the asylum and deportation systems, which sometimes allow rejected asylum seekers to remain in the region, as a contributing factor to security vulnerabilities.
Economy Policy Shifts: More Responsibility?
The economic forecast for Europe isn’t exactly sunny. With growth projections hovering around a tepid 0.8% for 2025, there’s a palpable sense of financial anxiety.
Conservative movements have seized upon this uncertainty, positioning themselves as the champions of fiscal responsibility and economic revival. Conservatives frequently criticize high public debt levels and deficit spending, often associated with progressive social policies. They advocate for balanced budgets, arguing that curbing government expenditures—particularly in welfare programs—will prevent fiscal crises.
Moreover, a common theme among conservative proposals is tax reform. Parties like Germany’s CDU and Italy’s Brothers of Italy have championed tax cuts for businesses and middle-income earners, aiming to encourage investment, job creation, and consumer spending. In addition, they propose streamlining bureaucratic regulations, which they claim are stifling small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the backbone of European economies.
Conclusions
So, will 2025 be a good year for conservative movements in Europe? All signs point to “probably.” The momentum gained in 2024 has set the stage for further influence, particularly in shaping policies on immigration, the economy, and the environment. The external influence of a Donald Trump presidency in the United States will also bolster the credibility of his European ideological allies, but that is a topic that requires an ample analysis.
However, it’s worth noting that internal divisions and the challenges of actual governance could pose significant hurdles. After all, it’s one thing to criticize from the sidelines and quite another to be in the driver’s seat without crashing the car. One thing is for sure, however: it’s going to be an interesting ride.