Autocratization is on the rise in EU candidate countries and the far right is gaining ground within member states; yet, the democratic deficit of the European Union itself went unmentioned in von der Leyen’s State of the Union speech. With Russian escalations and the impending accession of Ukraine and Moldova, the EU and its member states can no longer ignore the issue: the debate on how to democratically reform the Union and confront anti-democratic forces must be revitalized.
A European security council, Canada as the first EU ‘partner member state,’ and a ban on social media use for young children—these were the headlines dominating the news surrounding EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union speech. Understandably, security and the need for a decisive European Union—independent of unpredictable nations (read: Trump)—featured prominently in the German politician’s address.
Democratic Deficit
However, the elephant in the room remained unaddressed. The EU has long struggled with a significant democratic deficit. Voter turnout in the last European Parliament elections was a mere 50.7%. Eurobarometer research shows that only 52% of people say they have confidence in the European Union. This lack of support is even more pronounced in non-urban areas. Precisely at a time when the accession of countries like Moldova and Ukraine is moving up the political agenda (with only 56% in favor of EU enlargement), addressing the democratic deficit is more important than ever. The European project—often hailed as a beacon of stability, freedom, and democratic values globally—cannot afford to be satisfied with such lackluster figures. In times of a rising far right—as recently witnessed in Germany—it is crucial to finally initiate a dialogue that places European democratization on the agenda.
The rise of the far right
Last week’s victory for populist scapegoating politics in Saxony-Anhalt is yet further evidence of a trend visible not only in Europe but across the globe: the far right is on the rise. Marginalized groups, freedom of speech, judges, and journalists are paying the price. Yet the response from the political establishment remains the same: initial shock, followed by a ‘strongly’ worded condemnation, only to relapse back into the familiar politics that actually enable the rise of the far right in the first place. After all, the tactics employed by the AfD, the PVV, or Marine Le Pen go beyond merely playing on xenophobic gut reactions; they capitalize on the sense of alienation and the disconnect people feel from politics. Put plainly: many people do not feel represented, and the far right is all too eager to fill that void.
Wake-up call
For the EU in particular, this should be more than just a reason for indignant statements; it should serve as an urgent wake-up call. The longer the Union postpones the debate on democratic reforms, the more ground far-right movements in Europe gain. Moreover, this debate should not take place solely within European institutions but also—and crucially—within the member states. In response to the Russian invasion and hybrid attacks on the European continent, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine applied for EU membership in 2022. The advanced negotiations with the latter two countries herald a new era for the EU. The Union and its member states must seize this moment to revitalize the debate on democratic reforms.
