Patriots pitches ‘alternative’ EU leadership to EPP, Socialists

The EU’s Global Stance and the Rise of Far-Right Influence

The European Union is increasingly being seen as "out of the game" when it comes to competing with global powerhouses like China and the United States, according to Spanish MEP Jorge Buxadé. As the leader of the Vox delegation in the European Parliament, Buxadé has been vocal about his far-right group’s ambitions to reshape Europe’s political landscape. The EU, he argues, is stuck in a deadlock and desperately needs a new strategy and leadership to regain its influence on the world stage. Buxadé and his allies believe that the current EU leadership, under figures like Ursula von der Leyen, is out of touch with the diverse identities of its member states. They envision a Europe where each nation retains its unique personality and decision-making power, rather than being governed by a centralized bureaucracy. This vision is central to the far-right’s push for a more decentralized and sovereignty-focused Europe.

The Patriots for Europe Summit: A Call to Action

In an effort to advance this vision, Buxadé’s far-right coalition, Patriots for Europe, recently convened a summit in Madrid. The meeting brought together leaders from 14 national far-right parties, marking the first such gathering since Santiago Abascal, the leader of Spain’s Vox party, was elected as the head of the new party. Patriots for Europe has emerged as a significant political force in the EU, with 86 MEPs making it the third-largest group in the European Parliament. The summit’s slogan, "Make Europe Great Again," reflects the group’s inspiration from former U.S. President Donald Trump and their belief that his potential return to power could be a turning point for their movement. The meeting aimed to outline a clear strategy for the coming months, focusing on key issues such as enhancing security, combating illegal migration, and suspending the EU’s Green Deal.

A New Political Agenda: Challenging the Status Quo

At the heart of Patriots for Europe’s agenda is a rejection of the EU’s current environmental and economic policies. The Green Deal, which aims to make the EU climate-neutral by 2050, has become a central target for the far-right coalition. Buxadé and his allies argue that the deal is too restrictive and hinders economic growth, particularly in the face of global competition from the likes of China and the U.S. They are calling for its temporary suspension, a move that has already sparked divisions within the EU. While some groups, like the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), have expressed openness to discussions, others, such as the European People’s Party (EPP), have flatly rejected the proposal.

The Patriots for Europe are also focusing on issues like illegal migration and freedom of expression, framing these as key battlegrounds in their fight against the EU’s mainstream center parties. Their approach is overtly nationalist, emphasizing the need for stronger borders and a return to traditional values. This stance has resonated with many voters disillusioned by the EU’s handling of migration and its perceived erosion of national sovereignty. By positioning themselves as the champions of these causes, the far-right coalition hopes to further undermine the influence of the EU’s traditional center-left and center-right parties.

Transatlantic Ambitions: Bridging Europe and the Americas

Beyond Europe, the Patriots for Europe are actively building transatlantic alliances, particularly with right-wing leaders in the United States and beyond. Buxadé has highlighted the group’s connections with figures like Donald Trump, whose "Make America Great Again" slogan has inspired their own "Make Europe Great Again" rallying cry. However, their reach extends beyond the U.S., with partnerships forming with right-wing leaders in Latin America, such as Argentine President Javier Milei and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña. Vox, Buxadé’s party, has played a key role in bridging these connections, reflecting the group’s ambition to create a broader, transatlantic conservative movement.

Expanding Influence: Elections and Alliances

Looking ahead, the Patriots for Europe are focusing on expanding their political influence through national elections and strategic alliances. Buxadé has emphasized the importance of mutual support among member parties, arguing that their shared goals can only be achieved through close cooperation. This approach has already shown signs of success, with far-right parties like Matteo Salvini’s Lega in Italy and Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National in France gaining ground in their respective countries. In the Netherlands, Geert Wilders’ party supports the Dutch government, while in Austria, the Freedom Party (FPÖ) is negotiating to enter government. With elections approaching in countries like the Czech Republic, where Andrej Babiš is expected to perform strongly, the far-right coalition sees itself as not just the future of European politics, but the immediate future.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

As the Patriots for Europe continue to gain momentum, they face significant challenges, both within the EU and on the international stage. Their opposition to the Green Deal and their nationalist agenda have drawn criticism from mainstream parties and environmental groups. However, they are betting that their focus on sovereignty, security, and traditional values will resonate with voters increasingly disillusioned by the EU’s current direction. With their transatlantic alliances and growing influence in national governments, the far-right coalition is positioning itself as a major player in European politics. Whether they can achieve their vision of a more decentralized and sovereignty-focused Europe remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Patriots for Europe are no longer on the fringes—they are at the center of a rapidly shifting political landscape.