KYIV INDEPENDENT . What the far-right wins in EU elections mean for Ukraine

 

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What the far-right wins in EU elections mean for Ukraine

Dear Kyiv Independent readers, This is Brooke, the community manager here at the Kyiv Independent. Every week, we want to show you why your support for independent journalism is so critical and how your actions make a tangible difference. We’re almost halfway through the “year of elections” – in 2024, over 60 countries, representing around half of the world’s population, are heading to the polls – and that means independent journalism is more important than ever. Pedestrian walk past a banner displayed on the building of the European Parliament in Brussels, on May 17, 2024, ahead of the European elections scheduled between June 6 and June 9, 2024. (Photo by Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images) This past weekend, the European Parliament elections drew to a close. Although the significance of the elections for the EU’s 720-member parliament is often downplayed, the results – namely the gains by far-right and pro-Russia parties – will likely impact Ukraine, EU policy, and Russia’s war directly. As disinformation campaigns and far-right populism spread, you can help fight back by staying informed and engaged. You can also support our work for as little as $5 per month – the price of a cup of coffee – or make a one-time donation for as little as $1. Every bit counts.

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The results of the European Parliament elections matter for Ukraine – it’s one of the core bodies of the EU. Along with the European Commission and the European Council, these institutions are key in determining policy such as aid for Ukraine or the country’s progress towards becoming an EU member state. One of the key results of the EU elections is that the far-right has gained seats, notably the Identity and Democracy (ID) group. The ID group consists of parties traditionally seen as close to President Vladimir Putin, including Geert Wilders's Party for Freedom in the Netherlands and Marine Le Pen's National Rally in France. In France, President Emmanuel Macron dissolved parliament and announced snap elections as Le Pen’s far-right party is projected to have won just over 30% of the vote, over double of Macron’s centrist alliance at 15%. However, despite right-wing factions securing gains in Germany, Italy, France, and Belgium, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that “the center is holding.” Centrist parties indeed still hold the majority in the European Parliament. And, all hope isn’t lost, as Ukraine-skeptic parties also floundered in countries like Slovakia and Hungary where the Fidesz party of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, known for keeping close ties with Moscow, retained its majority, but with the lowest margin in decades. You can find all our coverage of European elections here. Counting continues at Nemo Rangers GAA club in Cork, Ireland, in the European elections on Thursday, June 13, 2024. (Photo by Brian Lawless/PA Images via Getty Images) Over 30 countries are still scheduled to head to the polls this year – including the U.K. and the U.S. in elections that will determine their prime minister and president, respectively. As war fatigue threatens international support and Russia’s attacks destroy Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, we want to say thank you for keeping your attention on Ukraine when it matters the most. Though the coming months may look bleak, we aren’t giving up. Hope is a choice, and we invite you to join us. Keep reading the news, vote in your elections, and – if you’re financially able – support independent journalism. We’re proud to be reader-funded, but it means the Kyiv Independent needs your support.

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Every effort counts. We wouldn’t be here without the support of readers like you.