On a chilly autumn evening in Warsaw, the streets are awash with a sea of red and white. Thousands march, Polish flags held high, their voices rising in a chorus of patriotic songs. This isn’t a national holiday celebration – it’s the annual Independence March, a gathering that has become a lightning rod for nationalist sentiment in Poland.
Scenes like this are playing out across Europe with increasing frequency. From the cobblestone streets of Budapest to the grand boulevards of Paris, a new wave of nationalism is sweeping the continent. It’s a movement that’s reshaping politics, challenging the European Union, and forcing a reexamination of what it means to be European in the 21st century.
“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how people view their national identity,” says Dr. Anna Müller, a political scientist at the University of Berlin. “There’s a growing desire to reaffirm cultural distinctiveness in the face of globalization and perceived threats to traditional ways of life.”
This resurgence of nationalism isn’t confined to a single country or region. In Italy, Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party rode a wave of nationalist sentiment to victory in 2022. In France, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally continues to gain ground. And in Hungary, Viktor Orbán has made “illiberal democracy” and the protection of “Christian Europe” central to his long-running government.
But what’s driving this trend? And what does it mean for the future of Europe?
The Roots of Resurgence
To understand today’s nationalist movements, we need to look back. Modern European nationalism was born in the fires of the French Revolution, matured through the 19th century’s wars of unification, and reached a catastrophic peak in the world wars of the 20th century.
“After World War II, there was a concerted effort to move away from nationalism,” explains Dr. Jean-Pierre Dupont, a historian at the Sorbonne. “The European project was all about transcending national differences. But that idea is now being challenged.”
Several factors are fueling this challenge:
1. Economic Uncertainty: The 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath left many Europeans feeling economically vulnerable. Nationalist parties have capitalized on this, promising to put their country’s interests first.
2. Migration: The refugee crisis of 2015 and ongoing immigration debates have become flashpoints. Fears about cultural change and economic competition have boosted support for anti-immigration platforms.
3. Sovereignty Concerns: Many nationalist movements argue that too much power has been ceded to the European Union, calling for a return to national control over key issues.
4. Cultural Anxiety: Rapid social changes and globalization have led some to seek reassurance in traditional national identities and values.
5. Disillusionment with Mainstream Politics: A sense that established parties are out of touch has driven voters towards populist alternatives, many of which have nationalist leanings.
Faces of the New Nationalism
To get a clearer picture of this phenomenon, let’s look at a few key examples:
Hungary: Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party has been at the forefront of Europe’s nationalist wave. Orbán has positioned himself as a defender of Hungary’s sovereignty and Christian heritage against what he sees as the threat of multiculturalism and liberal values promoted by the EU.
“Orbán has created a template for nationalist governance that others are trying to emulate,” says Zoltán Kovács, a Hungarian political analyst. “He’s shown how to use democratic institutions to consolidate power while appealing to national pride.”
Italy: The election of Giorgia Meloni as Prime Minister in 2022 marked a significant shift. Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, with its roots in post-fascist politics, campaigned on a platform of “God, family, and homeland.”
“Meloni represents a new face of European nationalism,” argues Dr. Francesca Rossi of the University of Milan. “She’s managed to mainstream ideas that were once considered fringe, packaging them in a way that appeals to a broad swath of voters.”
Sweden: The rise of the Sweden Democrats, a party with neo-Nazi roots that has become the second-largest in parliament, has shocked many observers. Sweden, long seen as a bastion of progressive politics, is grappling with debates over immigration and national identity that would have been unthinkable a decade ago.
These are just a few examples of a trend that’s reshaping politics across the continent. But what are the implications of this nationalist resurgence? And how are European institutions and citizens responding?
The Nationalist Challenge
As nationalist movements gain ground, they’re posing significant challenges to the European status quo. The European Union, in particular, finds itself in the crosshairs.
“The EU was built on the idea of ever-closer union,” explains Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President of the European Commission. “But now we’re facing a backlash from those who feel this approach has gone too far, too fast.”
This backlash is manifesting in several ways:
1. Euroskepticism: Many nationalist parties advocate for reducing EU powers or even leaving the bloc entirely. The UK’s Brexit vote in 2016 was the most dramatic example of this trend, but similar sentiments simmer across the continent.
2. Immigration Policies: Nationalist governments, particularly in Eastern Europe, have clashed with EU leadership over refugee quotas and border controls.
3. Rule of Law: Countries like Hungary and Poland have been accused of undermining democratic norms, leading to unprecedented EU disciplinary proceedings.
4. Economic Policy: There’s growing resistance to EU-wide economic policies, with calls for more national autonomy in fiscal matters.
But the impacts of rising nationalism extend beyond institutional challenges. Across Europe, there are concerns about social cohesion and the treatment of minorities.
“We’re seeing an increase in hate crimes and discrimination,” warns Sarah Chander of the European Network Against Racism. “The normalization of nationalist rhetoric is emboldening those with extreme views.”
A Continental Divide?
The rise of nationalism isn’t a uniform phenomenon across Europe. While it’s gaining strength in many countries, it’s also facing fierce opposition.
In Germany, for instance, large-scale protests erupted in early 2024 when it emerged that members of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party had attended a meeting where mass deportations were discussed. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets, chanting “Never again is now!”
“There’s a strong awareness in Germany of where extreme nationalism can lead,” says Thomas Meyer, a protester in Berlin. “We’re determined not to let history repeat itself.”
Similarly, in France, while Marine Le Pen’s National Rally continues to poll strongly, it faces a united front from other parties committed to blocking its path to power.
This pushback highlights a crucial point: while nationalism is on the rise, it’s far from unopposed. Europe is engaged in a continent-wide debate about its future, with passionate advocates on all sides.
Nationalism in the Digital Age
One factor supercharging the spread of nationalist ideas is social media. Online platforms have become key battlegrounds in the fight for hearts and minds.
“Social media allows nationalist movements to bypass traditional gatekeepers and speak directly to potential supporters,” explains Dr. Elena Kovacs, a researcher specializing in online political communication. “It’s also an effective tool for spreading disinformation and inflaming tensions.”
Indeed, investigations have revealed coordinated online campaigns aimed at amplifying nationalist messages and sowing division. The EU has taken steps to combat this, introducing new regulations on digital platforms, but the challenge remains significant.
Looking Ahead: Europe at a Crossroads
As Europe grapples with this new wave of nationalism, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The continent faces crucial questions about its identity, its values, and its place in the world.
For some, like Dutch political scientist Cas Mudde, the rise of nationalism represents a serious threat. “We’re seeing a erosion of democratic norms and a rise in exclusionary politics,” he argues. “If this trend continues, it could undermine the very foundations of post-war European cooperation.”
Others, however, see the current moment as an opportunity for renewal. “This surge in nationalist sentiment is a wake-up call,” contends French philosopher Pascal Bruckner. “It’s forcing us to reexamine our assumptions and find new ways to balance national identity with European cooperation.”
What’s clear is that Europe is at a crossroads. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether the continent can find a way to address the concerns driving nationalist sentiment while preserving the ideals of openness, cooperation, and human rights that have defined its post-war trajectory.
As night falls on Warsaw, the Independence March winds down. The flags are furled, the chants fade. But the questions raised by this display of national pride – and countless others like it across the continent – linger. In capitals from Lisbon to Bucharest, Europeans are engaged in a profound debate about who they are and what they want to become. The outcome of this debate will shape the face of Europe for generations to come.
