euroscepticism

Young European Leadership euroscepticism Voices from Young European Leaders

May 2015

3 Introduction

7 – 11 Why is the debate on Euroscepticism important in your country and how does it reflect the country’s perspective of the European Union as a global actor?

13 – 16 What are the main issues advanced by your country’s Eurosceptic groups? Which elements of these issues have a legitimate place in the debate — and which do not?

19 – 21 Is Euroscepticism more of an economic issue in your country or more political?

23– 25 Is it mainly a right- or left-wing issue (or both)?

27 – 29 And if Eurosceptics are blaming these issues on groups of people, who is to blame, in their eyes? Is it the elite of their own country, that of another, or another group entirely?

31 – 39 About the Euroscepticism Project

41 – 45 Project Team

46 – 47 About Young European Leadership

Euroscepticism: Voices from Young European Leaders

Young European Leadership 169 Boulevard Anspach, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

For any inquiries: [email protected]

Published as of 29 June 2015 in Berlin, Germany.

Euroscepticism 1 “ No man is an island, introduction entire of itself; every man is a piece of the Adam Lenton continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the Today in the European Parliament more deeper issues of trust, cohesion and than one quarter of all MEPs are critical identity, a move away from the so- sea, Europe is the less.” of, or oppose outright, the Union and called ‘democratic deficit’ arguments of the broader ideas associated with closer previous years.6 john donne, 1624 European integration.1 Whether in academia, policymaking For arguably the first time in its or in popular discourse, debates and existence, opposition to the EU has discussions of these issues will continue manifested itself clearly in nearly all to occupy a prominent space in society, member states, northern and southern, and ultimately, will determine the future as well as on local and national levels. of the Union. But importantly how do Though differing in form and in the Young European Leaders, who have a extent to which they oppose aspects of stake in the future of the continent, see EU integration- whether as ‘hard’ or these issues? ‘soft’ Eurosceptics,2 or ‘Eurosceptics and This booklet seeks to continue a process Europhobes’,3 for instance- one thing of discussion and analysis, featuring is clear: Euroscepticism has become a contributions on important questions mainstream issue for Europe and for of Euroscepticism from young people Europeans. hailing from different countries and In light of this it seems apparent that backgrounds. It also is an opportunity to the remainder of 2015 will be no less gain an insight into national perspectives challenging for Europe than previous on a topic which connects all of us years. Elections are set to take place across the continent. And, like with in a quarter of EU member states.4 In Euroscepticism itself, it is only by coming Britain, voters are set to go to the polls together as Europeans that we can hope to with the prospect of a future in-out find solutions. referendum on EU membership almost 1 http://www.notre-europe.eu/media/euroscepticismoreurophobia- bertoncini-koenig-ne-jdi-nov14.pdf?pdf=ok guaranteed, setting the scene for the 2 https://www.sussex.ac.uk/webteam/gateway/file.php?name=sei- possible exit of a member state from the working-paper-no-51.pdf&site=266 3 http://www.notre-europe.eu/media/euroscepticismoreurophobia- EU- unprecedented in its history. Though bertoncini-koenig-ne-jdi-nov14.pdf?pdf=ok Europe’s economy in 2015 appears to be 4 http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/30/europe- 2015-elections-eu-britain 5 turning a corner, oft-mentioned hopes 5 http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2015/02/european- that economic recovery will deliver a economy-guide 6 http://www.ecfr.eu/page/-/ECFR79_EUROSCEPTICISM_BRIEF_ blow to Eurosceptic movements belie AW.pdf

2 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 3 “I n order for the “What makes the sentiment to be EU so special is comprehensively that each member explained, one also has more or less “S o, if we want to needs to start by the same influence engage ourselves looking into its on regional and as Germans and as wider historic and global issues.” Europeans, either cultural context.” poland (p. 10) way we have to britain (p. 7) understand what drives people to be against Europe and its mission.” germany (p. 13)

“63% of French people think the most important issue now facing the European Union “ Spaniards have not is the economic played a significant situation.” role representing france (p. 19) the EU as President of the European Commission, the European Parliament “G reek scepticism and the European towards the Council — to name European a few — throughout Union cannot be their history within understood without the EU.” getting to grips with spain (p. 15) the question of self-determination.” greece (p. 24)

4 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 5 1 Why is the debate on Euroscepticism important in your country and how does it reflect the country’s perspective of the European Union as a global actor?

Britain Denmark France

Britain can be considered as the “I’m afraid to openly say I am pro- The French debate on Euroscepticism progenitors of the Eurosceptic sentiment. European” so said a politician friend of is important for two reasons. The The very term ‘Eurosceptic’ was coined mine, clearly depicting the increasing first one is symbolic: France is a founding in Britain in the mid 80s. Despite the pressure that Euroscepticism is placing member of the European Union, and significant levels of support won by on the political scene in Denmark. It was very active in all the major treaty Eurosceptics in European Union elections, has become normal to say that Danish changes. Its reconciliation with Germany this success has failed to ‘spill over’ people are not pro-European, and that after the Second World War has always into the respective political arenas, any ideas or policies even remotely been a strong symbol of broader European Britain seems to be particularly prone to endorsing increased European integration reconciliation. In this regard, evidence turbulence surrounding the European will be met with the political ‘death’ of that the French population is becoming issue. When looking at the development their backers. However, this profoundly increasingly Eurosceptic is visible in of Euroscepticism in the country it is Eurosceptic atmosphere is only an the rise of Euroscepticism in European not sufficient to merely focus upon its illusion created by the media. In fact, institutions. The second reason is more reflection on public opinion, the media the latest referendums suggest that more concrete: France has 74 seats in the and national party politics. In order than 45% of people in Denmark still European parliament, giving it has the for the sentiment to be comprehensively consider themselves pro-European. It second largest national delegation after explained, one also needs to start by is important to have a debate on this Germany, which has 96 MEPs. Therefore, looking into its wider historic and cultural subject in my country, as doing so would a rise of Euroscepticism in France means context. It can be argued that Britain is encourage pro-Europeans to get more a similar rise in the European parliament. characterised by a literal Europhobia courage and potentially even force This is what happened during the last (a cultural fear of ‘all things European’) referendums on the shameful opt-outs. European elections: the far-right and which adds to the opposition of EU By Narcis George Matache Eurosceptic Front National (FN) won membership. It is suggested by a number in the polls, with 25% of the votes. They of authors that this may be rooted in were able to elect 24 MEPs, and almost the country’s post war national identity succeeded in creating a political group crisis. For instance, ‘hating Europeans with other Eurosceptic parties (the Dutch and championing British’ seems to have PVV, the Austrian FPÖ, the Italien Lega persistently dogged postwar Anglo- Nord, and the Belgian Vlaams Belang). European relations. There is some truth These five parties are still collaborating, to this, as shown by a striking 71% of and other political groups are forced to Britons who claimed to identify acknowledge their presence. solely with their own nationality and By Jean Comte not with Europe. By Simona Falanga

6 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 7 Why is the debate on Euroscepticism important in your country and how does it reflect the Why is the debate on Euroscepticism important in your country and how does it reflect the country’s perspective of the European Union as a global actor? country’s perspective of the European Union as a global actor?

sanctions against Russia over it actions 1 European Commission, Eurobarometer in eastern Ukraine have been largely Standaard no. 80, ‘Public Opinion in the opposed,5 due to the their damaging European Union’, Fall 2013, National report impact on exports from Italian farmers The Netherlands, via http://ec.europa.eu/public_ and SMEs to Moscow. opinion/archives/eb/eb80/eb80_nl_nl_nat.pdf In essence, Eurosceptics in Italy believe 2 Taggart, Paul and Aleks Szczerbiak (2003) Germany Greece Italy that the EU should take a step backwards The Netherlands ‘Theorizing Party-Based Euroscepticism: and leave European countries free from Problems of Definition, Measurement and In Germany, we lack a sense of European The fairy-tale between the European Looking back at the results of the Brussels diktat. The EU, they argue, The Netherlands is one of the founding Causality’, SEI Working Paper No. 69 Sussex: ‘awareness’. By ‘awareness’ I mean a Union and Greece is a love story gone May 2014 European elections, Italy should focus less on economic restrictions fathers of the European Union. Sussex European Institute sense of belonging to Europe on the one wrong. In 1981, Greece’s application confirmed itself as a broadly pro- and more on common values and shared With its open economic model The 3 http://www.parlement.com/id/vhnnmt7ijayp/ hand, and knowledge of the various for community membership seemed European country, if compared to France cultural identity. Dutch have profited from the European de_huidige_tweede_kamer European Union institutions and their to be the finish line in a long marathon or UK, where Eurosceptic movements By Gabriele Rosana integration since 1957. Nevertheless, functions on the other. It is in this vacuum towards self-determination, a promising won hands down.1 With more than recent Eurobarometer surveys revealed that the notion of Euroscepticism can moment of recovery following a brutal 40% of votes going to Prime Minster 1 “Eurosceptic ‘earthquake’ rocks EU elections”, that public trust in EU institutions develop; hence, a bold policy of Euro- Ottoman and German occupation, Renzi’s centre-left party, Italy declared http://www.bbc.com/news/world- have decreased. By 2013 only 37% of opposition is succeeding in Germany. gruelling civil war and a back-breaking itself a member of the social-democrat europe-27559714 the Dutch think that the EU is heading Thus the statements and sentiments of dictatorship. Joining the EU was a family. From this position, the country is 2 Summing up, they received more than 30% in the right direction, while 45% is more Eurosceptics should be included in the deliberate choice. At the beginning seeking a new deal for Europe, starting of votes: see http://www.policy-network.net/ negative on current EU policies.1 This policy dialogue insofar as this strengthens of Greece’s membership, 51% of the from economic investments and growth. pno_detail.aspx?ID=4669&title=Despite- decreasing trust in the EU is also visible in European awareness. population expressed popular sentiment In doing so, Renzi’s government hopes Renzis-triumph-Euroscepticism-is-alive-and- the political debate on Euroscepticism Poland In the course of the financial crisis a towards the European Community. to convert Eurosceptical arguments well-in-Italy in The Netherlands. ‘hard’ or ‘withdrawalist’ Euroscepticism Today, with unemployment in the against budget retrenchment into calls 3 According to Lega Nord, the EU proposal Eurosceptic parties are political Euroscepticism in Poland has never was brought to the surface in Germany. country peaking at 26% and over one for institutional change. to ban high-powered electrical appliance organisations who have a “principled reached a dangerous level. There are This ‘hard’ Euroscepticism reflects some third of the population at risk of poverty, Nonetheless, if we consider Italy like double toaster would mean unnecessary objection to the European integration only a few small political groups of those Germans who voted for the disillusionment has taken over. The from a regional perspective, the country interference in everyday life, http://www. project transferring powers to a that wish for Poland to leave the Euro-opponents that are currently active EU’s approval rate in Greece dropped does follow the rise of euro-skeptic adnkronos.com/fatti/politica/2014/11/26/ supranational body such as the EU” European Union, but we can compare in the public eye. The policy of the Euro- to a dismal 16% at the height of its entities gaining ground across the tostapane-single-grazie-salvini-contro- or “opposition to the current or future the arguments they use to demagogy; opponents stands on shaky ground as economic crisis.1 continent.2 Italy’s Eurosceptics, like che-vuol-mettere-fuorilegge-quelli-doppi_ planned trajectory, based on the further they are only for internal use. Polish it lacks substance and preys on the vague The debate on Greek´s disenchantment their European counterparts, offer EIWRMHbPaal3nbB96cyqGI.html (in Italian) extension of competencies that the EU society is mostly pro-European. In fact fears of the public. with the European Union is important. tough, if sometimes facile solutions to 4 Anti-establishment Five Stars Movement’s is planning to make”.2 the Polish establishment sees Poland`s Still, no matter how regressive and Although Greece might only account for Italy’s problems — arguing not for ‘more leader presses for euro exit “not to end up Therefore, the left-wing Socialist Party independence in two dimensions. The striking the ‘hard’ Eurosceptics may 2% of the Eurozone´s GDP, any prospect Europe’, but rather stronger national like Greece” as well as calling for undocumented (SP) and the right-wing ‘Partij voor de first is the NATO organization, considered be, their doubts cannot be dismissed as of a further rift between Greece and the boundaries and a way back to State migrants to be expelled from Italy if they are not Vrijheid’ (PVV, Geert Wilders) are as the one who secures the country’s ‘politically confused’ so long as they EU would have a stark impact on all actors sovereignty. A growing section of the found to be genuine refugees, http://www.ansa. strong Eurosceptic parties. Also Christian territorial sovereignty, and the second are well supported (at present by 7% of involved. The EU would lose leverage Italian electorate is increasingly doubtful it/english/news/2014/10/21/grillo-presses-for- reformist parties such as ChristenUnie is the European Union, which is the the German people). over a geopolitical stronghold since about the European Union’s ability to euro-exit-after-migrants-out-call_f95ff79b-955a- are skeptical, as well as more single- institution that creates mechanisms and The popularity of ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ Greece stands on strategically important act in the interests of the people rather 4bdd-a225-f5f23b33c173.html issue parties like the ‘50Plus’ party tools to strengthen economic growth. Euroscepticism reflects that there is borders to Asia. Furthermore, any than those of banks or lobbyists. All the 5 Even MEPs from centrist groups argues that for older people and the ‘Party for the The difference between them is that opposition to the (German) EU policy. further discussion on a GREXIT weakens while, Eurosceptics blame Strasbourg http://rt.com/op-edge/180332-sanctions-russia- animals’ (Partij voor de Dieren) qualify nobody wants war in Europe; thus the Euroscepticism has become more visible the credibility of the common currency and Brussels of being authors of against-eu-interests/ to be Eurosceptic parties. By now, main interests of all NATO members and has scattered its seeds into the public and drives up Greek yields to astronomic schizophrenic, invasive legislation3 or, these parties and its former politicians are quite similar. On the other hand, the and in all political directions. The EU heights. Finally, Greek´s flirting with on the other hand, of leaving citizens (still in the Parliament) have 39 out of EU is described through the prism of is gaining more attention; European populist parties already has strong stranded to face national security 150 seats in the most important part particular interest groups whose goals awareness is gradually awakening in implications on the political discourse in problems and other troubles alone. of the Dutch Parliament (Tweede Kamer).3 many times stand against Polish interests. Germany. the national and European sphere. The most successful propaganda And therefore, other non-Eurosceptic The main issues for Poland are the EU’s By Nico Drimecker By Nikolas Papageorgiou deployed by Italy’s Eurosceptics promotes parties are affected by this influence commitments to reducing carbon dioxcide an Italian exit from the European of Euroscepticism. It does reflect the (CO2) emissions as laid out in the Europe 1 Eurobarometer 2013 & 2014 currency — and in turn an escape from country’s perspective on the European 2010 targets and the conflict in the country’s economic crisis. As for Union much more than on the EU as the Ukraine. The Polish economy is based the global scenario, the EU is perceived a global actor. There is very little debate on coal, meaning that the reduction of as being ineffective at controlling in The Netherlands on the EU as a of CO2 emissions is perceived as a major immigration4 — a particularly sensitive global actor. obstacle economica growth. Therefore, topic given the rise of migrants arriving By Ries Kamphof taking care of the environment must on Italy’s coasts (even though most be accompanied with the welfare of the migrants then move on to other European citizens. Also, Poland shares a border countries). In addition, European with the Ukraine which is in conflict

8 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 9 Why is the debate on Euroscepticism important in your country and how does it reflect the Why is the debate on Euroscepticism important in your country and how does it reflect the country’s perspective of the European Union as a global actor? country’s perspective of the European Union as a global actor?

with the separatists sponsored by Russia. of hostility towards EU expansion, 1 Real Academia Española, http://www.rae.es However, the European Union in the predominantly in Ukraine but 2 Eurobarometer Autumn 2013, in peace process is represented by France also more recently in Moldova (where http://elpais.com/elpais/2014/05/02/ and Germany, and Poland has been recent elections were widely seen media/1399024429_719671.html simply omitted in this complex issue as one between pro-EU and pro-Russia 3 Eurobarometer Autumn 2014, in http:// which directly concerns its security. parties)5 and Belarus, where despite ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/quali/ Polish authorities understand that the the lack of protests there have been signs Spain ql_6437_sum_en.pdf whole security system in Europe must be of nascent discontent with Moscow’s 4 Eurobarometer Autumn 2013 + 2014 covered by the international institutions. policies in the region.6 While there are many voices for the The European Union slowly but surely Eurosceptic parties within the EU have European Union in Spain, Euroscepticism responds to global challenges and understandably received much media has evolved without many polemics. threats. Thus the Polish voice is visible in coverage in Russia, and their critical The scepticism witnessed in Spain regional affairs. What makes the EU so stance on topics ranging from sanctions conjures up feelings of suspicion, disbelief special is that each member has more or to gay marriage ensure that they have and distrust in the efficacy or truth less the same influence on regional and a relatively legitimate place in discourse, about something.1 Few for-or-against global issues. with the ‘chaos and degradation’ as positions are publicly presented as By Bartosz Mroczkowski described by the Northern League’s being Europtimistic or Eurosceptic, but leader Matteo Salvini playing a vital role the trend exists. The economic crisis is in the current organisation of the EU.7 strongly linked to the economic regime Despite the EU’s geographical proximity of the primary raison d’être of the EU, to Russia, the USA is predominantly seen though the overseas crackdown has had as the main player, reflecting a desire to a large share of media attention in Spain. frame the current situation as a symmetric In spite of everything, the EU is expected great-power struggle, which it is not.8 to spearhead the resolution of the crisis. By Adam Lenton The usual media coverage quotes the EU Russia as speaking for all EU member states by 1 Dmitri Trenin, The End of Eurasia: Russia on saying, for example: ‘Brussels says’, ‘the Russian attitudes towards Europe have the Border between Geopolitics and EU orders’, ‘Europe determines’ and never been straightforward- the collapse Globalization. Washington DC: Carnegie other similar simplifications when the of the Soviet Union simply raised this Endowment for International Peace, 2002, p. 280 Spanish national government needs to perennial debate as to whether Russia is a 2 Umland, Andreas, ‘The Claim of Russian apply EU law against the higher national Western country (see ‘European’) or is on Distinctiveness as Justification for Putin’s benefits. The advantages of EU decisions a ‘special path’.1 The past few years have Neo-Authoritarian Regime.’ Russian Politics quoted usually refer to national and heralded the growth of the latter ‘vision’, and Law 50.5 (2012): 3-6. supranational coordination. Looking at characterised by manifestations of cultural 3 http://itar-tass.com/politika/1614902 studies on the topic, a study conducted distinctiveness, Orthodox nature and 4 http://www.larouchepub.com/ by Eurobarometer in 2013 found that non-Western character, with several other/2001/2838putin_bundestag.html 23% of Spaniards trusted the European notable examples one could draw from.2 5 http://www.bbc.co.uk/russian/ Commission while 65% displayed Especially in the past year this has been international/2014/12/141130_moldova_ mistrust.2 In addition, 31% of Spaniards seen in increasingly strained relations elections_first_results were found to have a positive perception between the European Union and Russia. 6 http://www.interpretermag.com/russia-may- about the EU, 46% a neutral opinion and Whilst Russia’s Permanent lose-belarus/ 21% a negative view as a whole.3 To put it Representative to the EU Vladimir 7 http://russian.rt.com/inotv/2014-12-01/ in equal measures, the sentence, ‘My voice Chizhov stated that the problems Italyanskij-politik-Torgovaya-vojna-s counts in the EU’ in 2013 was agreed upon between Europe and Russia have been 8 http://www.online812.ru/2014/03/19/011/ by 26% of Spaniards, while 80% disagreed ‘accumulating over the years’3 it’s also (Eurobarometer Autumn 2013), while in worth bearing in mind that back in 2001 2014 the Eurobarometer showed same Vladimir Putin struck a decidedly more 26% agreeing and 66% in disagreement pro-integration tone when addressing (there are always some ‘Don’t know’ the Bundestag.4 So what went wrong? options counting as disagreement).4 With future Russia-EU integration By Emilio Romero García looking ever less plausible, the issue of Euroscepticism has become one

10 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 11 2 What are the main issues advanced by your country’s Eurosceptic groups? Which elements of these issues have a legitimate place in the debate — and which do not?

immigration. Nigel Farage tries in fact to appeal to the working class by reiterating the concept that cheap manual labour from Eastern Europe (and particularly Romania and Bulgaria) are creating an oversupply of labour which leads to Britain a decrease in wages. Germany By Simona Falnga For the sake of providing a brief yet On the political level the most popular comprehensive understanding of the Eurosceptic group in Germany is the issues of Britain’s Eurosceptic groups, this AfD Party (Alternative for Germany) short paragraph shall focus on Britain’s and on the civil level it is the Pegida most successful Eurosceptic party: the movement. Pegida stands for “Patriotic United Kingdom Independence Party Europeans against the Islamization of (henceforth UKIP). Moreover it will also the Occident”. Both groups focus on focus on the policies which, according to different issues but the linchpin for both the electorate, are directed at the issues Denmark groups is fear. They use their claims as a that affect the country the most. club to hit Europe. UKIP’s supporters identify immigration, In Denmark, we have two distinct The AfD most notably is “willing the economy, crime and Europe as Eurosceptic movements. The first, the to discuss the common currency and the most important issues facing the Dansk Folkeparti (Danish People’s European bailout policies”, according country, which also represent the core Party), maintains a right-wing social- to the party’s leader Bernd Lucke. elements of the party’s manifestos, nationalist orientation with a strong But several demands of the German campaigns and discourse. The party sees message for “less Europe and more Euro-opponents do not fit the construction the European Union as a corrupt, elitist Denmark”. They use people’s fear that of the EU. The biggest problem with the organisation and offer an audacious yet more European integration will AfD is its conveying of public fears with simple policy: British withdrawal from entail a loss of cultural identity, with a striking and nationalistic wording and the EU altogether. As of 2005, UKIP have the comparatively small numbers that it has constructed a nationalist policy published a manifesto for each general of native Danes being overwhelmed by in which Europe’s role is subordinated election in which it expressees the need immigrants from Eastern Europe. to German national interests. to leave the EU in order to regain the They also use people’s fear that the Pegida’s demand is even more hollow country’s national sovereignty, as ‘[The welfare state will disintegrate because and alarming. They state their desire EU] is a political project designed to many immigrants are using the system, not to be ‘Islamised’. But what does take control of all the main functions leaving the Danish people without that mean? Usually, it simply means a of national governments’. In the same the social safety net they are used to. vague rejection of people who ‘look like manifesto it is also argued that the EU The second main Eurosceptic movement Muslims’. Pegida is a dangerous brew is not only no longer functioning, but is is the Folkebevægelsen mod EU (People’s of different people with similar fears. also a drawback to the British economic Movement against the EU), a socialist- So, if we want to engage ourselves as dynamism and prosperity, as well as a leaning organisation who strongly Germans and as Europeans, either way threat to ‘proper democracy’, national advocate that Denmark should leave we have to understand what drives people identity and belonging. UKIP leader, the EU. This is because the Movement to be against Europe and its mission. Nigel Farage has stressed in multiple believes in an International Union Given the fact that there is currently no occasions that it is time to leave the ‘failed’ where all are equal, not just Europeans. public debate on European policy, the European project and regain control over By Narcis George Matache role of Euro-opponents like the AfD or its rule of law and borders. UKIP is also Pegida as facilitators of the conversation renowned for strongly campaigning on is not surprising: We can only hope that

12 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 13 What are the main issues advanced by your country’s Eurosceptic groups? Which elements What are the main issues advanced by your country’s Eurosceptic groups? Which elements of these issues have a legitimate place in the debate — and which do not? of these issues have a legitimate place in the debate — and which do not?

their less-than-helpful treatment of the Berlusconi calls for the overhaul of from their daily work. 1 http://carnegie.ru/2014/07/30/ukraine-and-new- subject will compel others to participate in the common currency in favour a By Ries Kamphof divide/hln1# a more substantive Eurosceptic debate. national alternative. 2 Trenin, p. 282 By Nico Drimecker By Francesca Larosa 1 Kriesi, H., Grande, E., Lachat, R., Dolezal, M., Bornschier, S., & Frey, T. (2006). Globalization and the transformation of the national political space: Six European countries compared. Poland Russia European Journal of Political Research, 45(6), 921-956. In Poland, there are two levels of European Union expansion — closely 2 http://euobserver.com/political/121838 Euroscepticism. One dimension includes associated with NATO expansion — issues like reforming the structure of is seen as a mechanism of Western the European Union by reinforcing the encroachment of Russia and is the Spain Italy Netherlands national states and cutting the current underlying issue of Eurosceptics amount of supranationalism that allows in Russia. There are both legitimate The seniority of Spanish membership In spite of the ideological diversity In my opinion the biggest issues of the institutions of the EU to make and illegitimate aspects to this. to the European Union (since 1 January of Italy’s political scene, Euroscepticism The Netherlands’ Eurosceptic parties decisions in several policy areas for all In my opinion the biggest mistake is 1986) is not recognised enough in has gained traction with a number of reflect the ‘globalization divide’. The their member states. The PiS party (Prawo to legitimise notions of a great-power the institutional distribution of the EU. different parties. The first — and perhaps globalization and the transformation i sprawiedliwość — Law and justice) struggle between the West (EU + NATO) Spaniards have not played a significant loudest — challenge to the European of political space is described by as the second most influential party in and Russia. In many cases it is common role representing the EU as President of Union is raised by the Five Stars Kriesi et al. (2004) and starts from the Poland is part of this movement. In the to see allusions to the Great Game, the European Commission, the European Movement (“Movimento 5 Stelle”). assumption that the current process of European Parliament, its deputies form a when the British and Russian empires Parliament and the European Council — Founded by the comic actor Beppe Grillo, globalization or denationalization fraction (ECR — European Conservatives of the 19th century vied for power to name a few — throughout their history the group embodies the anger and leads to the formation of a new structural and Reformists) together with the British in Central Asia.1 This geopolitical within the EU. The working languages fear of many Italians. The movement conflict in Western European countries, Conservative party and many other conceptualisation is misguided at best, of the European institutions do not demands a referendum on the Euro, in opposing those who benefit from this “mild” Eurosceptic parties all across since it reduces the countries between consider Spanish as equally as the other order to allow the people to decide process against those who tend to lose Europe that do not want to dissolve the EU and Russia to geopolitical EU working languages which are less once and for all on whether Italy should in the course of the events, so-called the EU as such, but simply to limit its pawns, at the same time dismissing widespread worldwide. retain the common currency. Five Stars ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ of globalization.1 powers and to strengthen national states. pro-EU sentiment as manifestation of Other international actors such as seeks to abolish the Fiscal Compact, It is these fears of globalization that the The other dimension is a movement of ‘manipulation’ or ‘coercion’ by larger the United Nations1 along with other supports the adoption of Eurobonds, and Eurosceptic parties in The Netherlands several small extremist right-wing parties powers, notably the USA. institutional bodies, accept Spanish as seeks to encourage greater partnership are using in the debate on the European that aim for the deconstruction of the Such thinking is by all means not a working language (e.g. the General between Eurosceptical parties across Union: the normal working class, European Union and, most of all, want exclusive to Russia but in any case Assembly and the Security Council) the EU. Finally, M5S accuses banks and without university degree, does not to get Poland out of it. Their influence is what this thinking does and is doing is and currently place Spain at the pinnacle international credit institutes of wielding profit from EU integration and the role very weak and they cannot pose a clear sidelining some of the more legitimate of representation (the Security Council excessive power. of the EU as a global actor. Instead, it threat to the rather pro-European face of concerns about closer association with counts with Spain in it now, by working Italy’s second, equally powerful would be better to keep The Netherlands Poland and its people. According to the the EU, such as competitiveness of home language and country representation).2 Eurosceptic party is the Right-Wind Lega as a more autonomously functioning recent surveys of the Eurobarometer, the industry in a common market, the cost In this regard, Spanish public opinion Nord. Like the Five Stars, Lega Nord nation. In the election programmes Polish people are the most content citizens of living and the ceding of national and and area of influence by language are uses its platform to question the validity for the European Parliament in 2014 of the European Union regarding their financial sovereignty. represented in a negative light within the of the Euro. The party’s leader, Matteo only the PVV from Geert Wilders really country’s participation in the European Having said that, the fear of EU/NATO EU, while they are positively represented Salvini, depicts the Euro as a “criminal campaigned to leave the EU. Other project. In this light, the “hard” form of expansion does have some legitimacy. to other international actors. Placing a tool used by bankers”. Instead, he insists Eurosceptic parties are not going that Euroscepticism seems rather illegitimate NATO enlargement did have a profound third actor in the international scene, that the introduction of an alternative far, but they feel that the current EU in Poland. effect on Russian elites and continues to the World Trade Organization has three currency would serve Italy’s interests is not positive for jobs and transforming By Nico Goller foment a fear of isolation.2 In addition working languages, one of them being far better. As a general rule, Lega Nord the economy. The Eurosceptic parties to this an underlying dichotomy by both Spanish.3 strongly prefers protectionist measures also speak out negatively on the the EU and Russia on a range of issues, Spain’s voting representation has equal to the free market, and advocates technocratic decision-making in the EU from social to political has led both value to a country with a far smaller the strengthening of national frontiers. and the ‘faceless bureaucrats’.2 In my to seem horribly out-of-touch with one population (of around 10 million Last, but not least, Eurosceptical opinion, this negative frame is working, another and unable to reach any sort nationals less than Spain) in the European arguments also find expression in the because the more EU-friendly political of compromise without a loss of face. Parliament. The European Commission voice of Silvio Berlusconi and his party, parties are selling the benefits of the The unfortunate thing is that discussions does not give any distinction to the Forza Italia. Here the main concerns EU in very abstract terms such as welfare, of long-term cooperation, and what Spaniard within the Juncker Commission are of a far more political nature, in the peace and international cooperation. sort of cooperation we want, are (Jean-Claude Juncker has seven form of a distinctly anti-German agenda. The framing of the Eurosceptic parties effectively being decided before they’re Commissioners with special character, of Nonetheless, monetary issues also is working in public discussions because even discussed. which Miguel Arias Cañete is excluded).4 receive their due attention; along with many people feel that the EU (let alone By Adam Lenton By Emilio Romero García the revision of the Fiscal Compact, the ‘EU as a global actor’) is too far-fetched

14 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 15 What are the main issues advanced by your country’s Eurosceptic groups? Which elements of these issues have a legitimate place in the debate — and which do not?

1 http://www.economist.com/blogs/ not the end of the world. His government johnson/2013/04/languages-diplomacy admitted that Turkey wants to expands 2 http://www.unlanguage.org/Careers/Interpret/ its markets and it can do this with the COV/Languages/default.aspx ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian 3 http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/secre_e/ Nations) as well (cf. also http://www. div_e.htm todayszaman.com/diplomacy_being- 4 http://ec.europa.eu/about/structure/index_ denied-eu-membership-not-end-of- en.htm world-says-erdogan_306191.html) Hence, local foods and bazaars will change tales, remain more local and less powerful. They are seen as popular media alerts whilst speeches from political powers are more important. Eurosceptics find more legitimacy on those economic grounds. By Funda Günaydin Turkey

The debate in Turkey on whether or not to join the European Union goes back to 1963, and is still in process. The long length of this debate makes the EU story a dilemma; it consumes the Turkish people’s belief in being accepted. This never-ending story helps Eurosceptics to strengthen their criticism of the European Union since it has been an issue in Turkey for many years. Turkish politics has not built a strong EU perspective in Turkish society for all these years; therefore, the viewpoint of Eurosceptics is easily able to change the European Union’s representation in the Turkish media. The main stream media sometimes show joining the EU as representing the loss of cultural heritage, such as ‘kokoreç’ (a traditional Turkish food made of cow gut), sometimes it shows joining the EU as changing the quality of bazaars and markets positively. Lowering the EU candidacy in such local and narrow manners also causes Turkish society to view EU membership as ‘not a big deal’. Therefore, the possible economic and social changes in their deep manners are not infused into the society unless they do not follow alternative media and foreign press. Eurosceptic groups find strong reasons for their ‘scepticism’, and the lack of knowledge about what the EU is helps them to recruit supporters. Eurosceptics also claim that EU membership will not bring economic growth, that it is the opposite: the EU needs a dynamic country like Turkey. As president Erdogan said during his ministry, being denied EU membership is

16 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 17 3 Is Euroscepticism more of an economic issue in your country or more political?

Denmark France Germany

Euroscepticism is primarily an issue The factors that explain the rise Recent events such as the crisis in of propaganda, as the economic crisis of Euroscepticism in France are the Eurozone have focussed the German did not affect Denmark as much as clearly economical. The most recent Eurosceptic debate on economic other countries and we do not have a Eurobarometer from the European issues — the monetary crisis has given working class that is very vulnerable to Commission shows this very clearly: hard Euroscepticism a foot in the market volatility. Average citizens fear according to this survey, 63% of door. The European Union’s opponents that, due to an overwhelming influx of French people think the most important remind the public of threats from the new citizens requiring the assistance of issue now facing the European Union is past. However, German Euroscepticism the welfare system, they will lose the the economic situation. In second and integrates discourse on political, social, economic benefits that the welfare state third position are unemployment (32%) environmental and partly cultural issues. currently offers them. The Eurosceptic and the state of Member States’ public While the AfD Party — which is parties exploit this fear in their political finance (22%). Immigration is only in the still the most popular Eurosceptic campaigns, masking a reality that fourth priority, with 20%. Moreover, 63% group — demands economic changes has been proven countless times: that of French people think the crisis has not (i.e. exiting the Euro currency, denying immigrants have a positive net impact on yet reached its peak — a proportion higher a banking union and minimum wage), the economy of the receiving country. than every other European country, their party members are at odds with By Narcis George Matache except Cyprus (cf. Standard barometer, one another on topics of political European Commission, Autumn 2014). concern. It would be wrong to say that Marine Le Pen, leader of the FN, the AfD is Eurosceptic and other parties understands this very well and has are not, since they evaluate the pros adjusted the economic programme of and cons of international European her party accordingly, implementing cooperation from different viewpoints. a shift from a traditionally liberal, For example, other parties try to offer a neoconservative outlook towards a more good quality of life to the huge number social one — a more left wing style, one of refugees — which is still largely might say (cf. « Le projet économique reported from a national perspective in du FN passé au crible », Anne Eveno et the media. Abel Mestre, Lemonde.fr, 28/11/2013). The public majority is not concerned Secondly, she has placed the rejection with exiting the European currency of the euro at the centre of her political but rather with issues such as the flow platform — a move that her program of refugees or the Transatlantic Trade claims is « a technical challenge, not an Investment Partnership with all its economic disaster » (cf. « Notre projet », possible consequences for matters such Front national, p.69, 2012). as health care and the environment. By Jean Comte

18 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 19 Is Euroscepticism more of an economic issue in your country or more political? Is Euroscepticism more of an economic issue in your country or more political?

Berthold Franke from the Goethe- tend not to trust the EU. This figure has, European countries. They use (social) about integration into the West are Institute in Brussels says that Europe however, dropped by 7% since 2013 economic terms but Euroscepticism is ambiguous in Turkish society. and the EU appear to be stuck in a No doubt Euroscepticism’s popularity more of a political issue: the Eurosceptic To have a varied perspective on the dilemma as a result of global capitalism is closely related to most Italians’ parties would like to have more national European Union, citizens should be encountering an unfinished, unformed dim estimations of the Parliament, competences as they are afraid to be informed about ‘what the European compound of nation states. As long Commission and other institutions. outvoted in Brussels, especially on issues Union is’ at the local levels as well. as the economic crisis endures and as Europe is seen as being at odds with such as pensions. Poland Spain Brochures, short movies, neighbourhood long as there is no narrative other than national interests. This is exemplified Therefore, it can be said that visits by EU-based organizations should ‘Pax Europaea’, Euro-opponents and by the stark contrast between Italy’s Euroscepticism is more of a political In Poland, Euroscepticism is more an Euroscepticism in Spain is more related take place. By doing this, people would Eurosceptics will continue to focus on immigration policies and the rest of issue than an economic issue in The economic issue than a political one. to political matters than economics. know what the EU is and what outcomes the economy for their main points of Europe’s. According to the Italian Netherlands. This has manifested Eurosceptics claimed that European The international order outside the might occur in the case of Turkey’s criticism. Interior Minister Angelino Alfano, “laws itself earlier in the Dutch ‘No’ against Union is an artificial fiscal organization European Union reflects more presence full membership. In this way, people By Nico Drimecker should be equally applied, but they are the EU constitution and it reflects the which distorts the idea of a free trade of the Spanish language throughout will not hear about the EU only through not”. Accordingly, the share of powers ‘globalization divide’ in the country zone in Europe. European decision the world. There are in fact many mainstream media but they will also is perceived by some of Italy’s most and across political parties on ‘winners’ makers are accused of causing the references to the EU in Spanish which have a chance to discuss, to criticize it on influential parties as imbalanced and and ‘losers’ of globalization. The Dutch economic downturn and intentionally describe the situation in Europe from their own. They will be well-informed. disproportioned. Advisory Council on Social and Cultural and consciously precluding financial outside the continent, influencing many A society should know what kind of By Francesca Larosa Issues (SCP) also spoke recently on growth. The European Union is also populations.1 Around the same number an issue it is against any manipulation ‘separated discourses’2 of more well- said to be building a socialistic economy. as the entire population of the EU itself from EU supporters or Eurosceptics. 1 C. Flood, Euroscepticism: a problematic concept, educated versus working-class people in Eurosceptics say that the procedures speaks Spanish as its mother tongue. By publicly debating Turkey’s 2002 The Netherlands. The most outspoken are overly bureaucratic, which inhibits Due to the fact that Spain does not membership in the EU, Euroscepticism Italy issue of conflict: The European Union…. economic freedom. What is paradoxical find enough representation within the would not only be an economic or political By Ries Kamphof about the radical Polish Eurosceptics is EU, Spain is compelled to take part issue in Turkey; Turkish society would Euroscepticism can be defined as that Poland is a recipient of EU grants in the bureaucracy of the organisational be given to understand what joining the “attitudes and opinions represented in 1 http://www.rtlnieuws.nl/economie/vno-ncw- which have enabled the country to structure of the EU. When Spain’s EU is from both these perspectives. discourses and behaviours which maakt-reclame-voor-europa develop rapidly in last decade. These representation shifts to a more active By Funda Günaydin express doubt as to the desirability 2 http://www.scp.nl/Publicaties/Alle_publicaties/ sceptics suggest destroying the EU as role, the EU will certainly hold Spain in and/or benefits and/or long-term Publicaties_2014/Gescheiden_werelden soon as possible, regardless of whether higher esteem. viability of European or/and European the membership bears fruit or not. By Emilio Romero García Union integration as an objective”.1 Netherlands On the other hand, some moderate Clearly this provides ample room for fractions of Eurosceptics agreed that the 1 See http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/ both political and economic critiques of Euroscepticism is more of a political(- membership in EU can be beneficial, but public/documents/icap/unpan029908.pdf p. 12. the EU. Nonetheless, broadly speaking, social) issue than an economic issue in only after thorough reforms. Although Italian Euroscepticism is now anchored The Netherlands. As regards the economic economic reasons are the most widely in the rise of anti-austerity sentiment. issue of Euroscepticism the private sector discussed and cited reasons for these In other words, an economic argument and employers (VNO-NCW) have spoken fractions’ scepticism, they do see some has muscled in on what was once a out positively on the European Union in political issues as well. They claim far more political debate. The Standard 2012 by focusing on the large economic that Euroscepticism is a defense of Eurobarometer Surveys published gains of 180 billion euro a year1. This way the independence and sovereignty of by the EU Commission in November of looking to the EU in economic (cost- the country. In the idea of European 2014 present an interesting overview gain) terms is also reflected in the political unification, they see a threat to their Turkey of the current situation. Italians are discussions in the Dutch parliament. country’s statehood. In the view of the the most Eurosceptical of all the EU It is difficult for Eurosceptic parties to most extreme Eurosceptics, the EU is Euroscepticism is more of a political citizens. However, such feeling is debate in pure economic terms as The regarded as an invader who robs them issue in Turkey. Since joining the almost exclusively related to economic Netherlands, as an open economy, gains of their freedom. The Euroscepticism European Union is a never-ending aspects of the EU. As much as 47% of the a lot from export to other EU countries. debate in Poland is a new issue, but the story for the Turkish people, politicians interviewed sample considers the Euro Instead, the Eurosceptic parties are opponents of European unification are tend to refer to this issue during their a “bad thing”. Italians’ top concerns especially debating against EU policies becoming more and more supported by campaigns. The economic outcomes of were Unemployment (53%) and the on more ‘social’ political grounds. They society. It is important to separate real the EU integration and membership are economic situation (45%). However, when point to Eastern European migrants problems in EU strategy from populist not being discussed enough with the asked how satisfactory they considered ‘taking over’ Dutch jobs in transport slogans. public. Rather, politicians used the EU their lives within the EU, a majority and agriculture. They point to EU By Patrycja Gliwka candidacy in their political speeches of Italians found their standard of living fonctionnaires earning a lot of money during elections without pointing out the satisfactory (63%). and to indebted EU countries such as possible economic results for the country, Despite this evidence, a clear lack of Greece. Their argument is that Dutch but instead refer to its ‘European identity’. trust in the EU and its institutions has people pay their hard-earned taxes to pay Turkey is not a wholly European country, engulfed the country: 69% of Italians high EU bureaucrat salaries and other thus, fears of being isolated or concerns

20 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 21 4 Is it mainly a right- or left-wing issue (or both)?

Denmark France Germany

As I detailed previously, Denmark has Euroscepticism is mainly a right-wing German Euroscepticism is an issue of two different Eurosceptic movements, issue. The only important political all political directions and public milieus. one from the right-wing (nationalist) and parties openly calling to drop the euro The topics differ — economic, social, one from the left-wing (internationalist- or to renegotiate policies on freedom of political or cultural — but economic socialist). Both of them want to lessen the movement are the far-right Front National topics dominate the current discourse European Union’s influence on Denmark (FN) and the conservative Union pour regarding Euroscepticism. The most although they use different issues to mouvement populaire (UMP) (especially popular German Eurosceptic party, the obtain people’s votes. The left-wing does when the former president Nicolas Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), not view immigration as an issue, instead Sarkozy sought re-election in May 2012). is situated in the centre-right to right focussing on the excessive bureaucracy The far-left Front de Gauche might wing — although it itself claims to be a and perceived fascism of the EU. In appear to be very anti-European, as it is centre party (“Volkspartei ”). doing so, the left-wing Eurosceptics were vocally critical of the European Union, In Germany we have not spent much only able to attract around 8% of votes but a close examination of their program time discussing a European narrative, during the 2014 European Parliamentary clearly shows that they agree with the namely what should succeed the current elections. Instead, by focusing on issues basic idea of the European project. one of maintaining peace throughout such as rising crime rates, less welfare They simply want its policies to be more Europe. But a narrative is beginning for the people and the loss of a distinct social, and to halt austerity — even if to emerge as we have begun to ask Danish national identity, the right wing that means not respecting the Maastricht the parties themselves why we need was able to top the elections with more criteria (cf. « Rompre et refonder Europeanization. While traditional left- than 22% of the vote. l’Europe », Front de gauche, 2014 p.19). right politics appears to be fragmenting, By Narcis George Matache As for the center of left-wing parties, Euroscepticism may develop in political they are definitely not Eurosceptic . wings and public milieus and become a By Jean Comte bigger issue. Nico Drimecker

22 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 23 Is it mainly a right- or left-wing issue (or both)? Is it mainly a right- or left-wing issue (or both)?

of EPP, it has often stood out among Euroscepticism and the Global Financial Crisis, centrists to be rather heterodox. F. Serrichio, M. Tsakatika, L. Qagila, Journal of Mr. Berlusconi also created the suspicion Common Market Studies that bureaucratic Germanophile EU Rightist Populism and Euroscepticism, A. Moroska, elites obtained the downfall of his Wydadnictwo Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego government in 2011, imposing Italy a Current problems and events study by CBOS, Greece severe economic discipline. Netherlands Poland May 2013 Italy By Gabriele Rosana Neither the thuggish neo-Nazis of To keep the definition of Euroscepticism In general, Euroscepticism in Poland Golden Dawn nor the old-fashioned As euro-friendliness in Italy is supported 1 Barbara Spinelli, GUE/NGL MEP and daughter ‘broad’ and include Eurosceptic parties is divided by right- and left-wing communists have a monopoly on Greek by moderate parties, which traditionally of Altiero, one of the EU founders, is still from strategic and ideological grounds party lines. It all boils down to the Euroscepticism. Greek scepticism have large consent, euro-skepticism dreaming of realising a Federal EU, http://www. the definition of Taggart and Szczerbiak1 issues defining the parties themselves. towards the European Union cannot is ridden by the remaining, anti- ilfattoquotidiano.it/2014/06/08/lista-tsipras- (2003:8) will be used: Eurosceptic It is common for rightist parties to be understood without getting to grips establishment political forces. Thereby, barbara-spinelli-andra-in-europa-ma-la-sua- parties are parties who have a “principled have conservative sociological views with the question of self-determination. we can depict different attitudes in this scelta-spacca-attivisti-e-sel/1018207/ (in Italian) objection to the European integration and these, in Poland, are connected to Occupied by enemies for centuries field, although the majority of euro- 2 Representing the ‘No Euro’ slogan, its symbol project transferring powers to a the idea of the nation, where patriotism Turkey Greeks have developed a zealous skeptic are amongst right-wing or non- was chosen by more than 6% of electors all supranational body such as the [European is the most important value. The process disregard for authorities and all orders party groups, who make use of words around the country last May; see: http://www. Union]” or “opposition to the current of integration is perceived by rightist Euroscepticism is more of a right-wing dictated from above. This apathy for such as frontiers or monetary sovereignty liberoquotidiano.it/news/politica/11621820/ or future planned trajectory, based politicians and their supporters as issue since it has been taken up in being told how to behave has been as a response to more integration. Elezioni-europee--Lega-Nord-al.html (in Italian) on the further extension of competencies something against the natural national nationalistic speeches. Some Eurosceptics extended to the EU. Recent polls give Some radical left-wing groups ask for 3 It has strengthen alliance with the French Front that the EU is planning to make”. development. According to them the basis are more likely to use nationalistic hints of the feeling of deception; only a new start of the European Union, but National, rapidly changing its DNA from If we take this definition it can be said on which we should build a community arguments about not joining the EU such 23% of Greeks think that their voice sometimes they patronize a ‘Federal regionalist into nationalist, in so doing showing that the left-wing Socialist Party (SP) is a common historical foundation as ‘Turks have no friend but the Turk’, matters in the EU. Europe’ as well. So, the core of the the evident decadence of ideologies. According and the right-wing ‘Partij voor de including symbols and traditions, which ‘ We, as Turkish people, have not been Greece, however, is not a Eurosceptic euroskeptic area is mainly overlooked to Professor Lorenzo De Sio (LUISS University, Vrijheid’ (PVV, Geert Wilders) are strong the European Union lacks. liked by the Europeans since the Ottoman country—it is the reluctant European. by populist forces who claim they are Rome), “it looks like such Europeanization Eurosceptic parties. Also Christian The most evident problem is the Empire’ and so on. Those sentiments are Greek identity is neatly woven into the focusing on European people’s daily has in part happened, but unfortunately against reformist parties such as ChristenUnie question of sovereignty, which for mainly supported by the right-wing at a narrative of belonging to the European needs rather than on institutions (which a further European integration, rather for are skeptical, as well as more single-issue decades was denied to Poles, thus nationalist level whilst anti-nationalists continent. Even though today only they plan to destroy from the inside). it”, http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ parties like the ‘50Plus’ party for older making us cautious when giving powers remain too weak to oppose those claims. 45% of Greeks feel that they are citizens The right-wing Lega Nord main aim monkey-cage/wp/2014/11/24/free-book-on- people and the ‘Party for the animals’ to a governing force outside of our Apropos of nationalistic discourse, of the EU, the lowest number of any is to exit from the single currency area. european-parliamentary-elections-by-country- (Partij voor de Dieren). By now, these country. Only 31% of rightist electorate when Turkey lost a seat back in October EU Member state, Greeks still identify Due to its anti-European campaign, there experts-available-online/. parties and its former politicians is considered to be pro-further European 2014 for non-permanent membership of with Europe and see their future in the is an interesting metamorphosis of this Some columnists also assert the coalition is (still in the Parliament) have 39 out of integration (‘Current problems and the Security Council, and the EU reflected European Union. National identities, party born in the 80s as an association the heir of De Gaulle project to create an Europe 150 seats in the most important part events’ study by CBOS, may 2013). reactions about its worries over freedom like all constructed identities, are built between Northern Italy local movements, of Nations, http://www.formiche.net/2014/11/28/ of the Dutch Parliament (Tweede Kamer).2 Opposed to those views are the leftist of expression in Turkey, the government around the choice over what to identify once asking for secession from Rome matteo-salvini-centro-destra-parla-gennaro- Also other parties are affected by this movements including the Democratic adopted a ‘cooler’ approach to the EU with and what not. Greeks don’t see and now federating euro-skeptical sangiuliano/ (in Italian) Euroscepticism, both on the right and Left Alliance (SLD) and the centre-left membership debate. This demonstrates themselves related to the Balkans or to organizations from all over Italy and 4 Opposing to PM Renzi, Mr. Berlusconi also left wing. Euroscepticism reflects the ruling party, Civic Platform. According to that Eurosceptism is mainly a right-wing their Turkish neighbours; even though Europe, pointing out Brussels and Islam labeled Forza Italia to be euroskeptic: see http:// ‘globalization divide’ in the country and the same study, more than 50% of issue. (cf. also http://www.bbc.com/news/ they share common features with their as common enemies. www.ilgiornale.it/news/interni/1005632.html across political parties on ‘winners’ their electorate is pro-further integration. world-europe-30111043) neighbours, ranging from food over Also the Five Stars Movement (non- (in Italian) and ‘losers’ of globalization. Both left- They perceive the idea of the European By Funda Günaydin traditions to music, Greeks enjoy stressing party group led by the comedian-turned- wing and right-wing political parties do Union as strengthening Poland, the differences rather than highlighting politician Beppe Grillo), runner-up use these ‘globalization’ arguments. allowing further social and economical the numerous similarities. It is commonly with 21%, calls for a referendum to leave By Ries Kamphof development and international safety. believed that the European Union would euro. It is a meaningful case, since this The issues dividing young Poles not be the European Union without quite heterogeneous movement can’t 1 Taggart, Paul and Aleks Szczerbiak (2003) oscillate around the ideas of national Greece. Like any country facing an be described by using traditional ‘Theorizing Party-Based Euroscepticism: identity (and whether the EU threatens existential crisis, Greeks however long categories. Even though some of its Problems of Definition, Measurement and it) and, very importantly, around the for hope, self-determination and an olive MEPs claim not to be euro-skeptics, Causality’, SEI Working Paper No. 69 Sussex: supposedly lax social ideals ‘imported’ branch to be extended to them. their strong agreement with UKIP in Sussex European Institute from the west. Those include a more By Nikolas Papageorgiou constituting EFDD group makes any 2 http://www.parlement.com/id/vhnnmt7ijayp/ flexible approach to homosexuality, further comments unnecessary. de_huidige_tweede_kamer religion and immigration, which in The third element to complete the Poland are the subject of fierce debate. picture is Forza Italia (17%, centre-right), By Francesca Risso the party founded by former PM Silvio Berlusconi in 1994 and brought back to life last year. Though part

24 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 25 5 And if Eurosceptics are blaming these issues on groups of people, who is to blame, in their eyes? Is it the elite of their own country, that of another, or another group entirely?

Britain Denmark France

For the sake of providing a brief yet The Eurosceptics in Denmark blame The FN is sharply criticizing the French comprehensive understanding of different groups of people in their political elite. Marine Le Pen repeatedly the scapegoats that recur in British propaganda campaigns. The left-wing explains that the Union pour un Eurosceptic discourse, this short Eurosceptics blame the ruling elite mouvement populaire (UMP) and the paragraph shall focus on Britain’s most in Brussels for taking the power from Parti socialiste (PS), the two main French successful Eurosceptic party: the the citizens, while the right-wing political parties, are presenting exactly United Kingdom Independence Party Eurosceptics simply pin the blame on the the same programmes, and that she is the (henceforth UKIP). UKIP is renowned immigrant population. The right-wing only real alternative. She has stressed for its critique of the establishment and has a massive rhetoric against the Muslim this idea by referring to them as one and the ruling class. This is not only limited population and, during the European the same: “UMPS” (from UMP + PS). to the British ruling class, but also applies Elections, their focus switched to Eastern The FN is also known to be strongly to the European Union establishment, Europeans, with a special emphasis on opposed to immigration — the party’s which in the party’s opinion does not Romanian migrants. official program describes immigration as properly represent Britain’s interests. By Narcis George Matache a danger to the French economy, claiming For instance, during the debate against it costs the French people €70 billion Nick Clegg (leader of the Liberal per year (Front national, op. Cit, p.11). Democrats) earlier in 2014, Farage For the FN, immigration is also a security lamented that, at the WTO (World Trade concern, because it leads to instability Organisation), Britain (along with the and community divisions. With regards other member states) is represented to this policy, FN members explicitly by ‘a Dutch bureaucrat whose name no target the Muslim community. Its official one can remember and who we cannot program condemns “uncontrolled vote for’. In this statement it is made clear immigration, which hurts our national that the party believes that there is a lack identity and brings about more and more of democracy within the EU institutions, obvious islamisation” (Front national, op. as the Europeans cannot vote for their Cit, p.11). Against this communitarianism, representatives. This concept is reiterated the FN puts forward its commitment on the party’s website, where it is to fight for the preservation of French stated that the establishment parties’ identity and national culture, two policies are so similar that the electorate concepts that are very broad, and by no has no real decisional power. On the means concretely defined in the French same subject, laments that [The EU] is public sphere… undemocratic, expensive, bossy. It’s the By Jean Comte biggest symptom of the real problem the theft of our democracy by a powerful, remote political ‘elite’ which has forgotten that it’s there to serve the people. By Simona Falanga

26 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 27 And if Eurosceptics are blaming these issues on groups of people, who is to blame, in their And if Eurosceptics are blaming these issues on groups of people, who is to blame, in their eyes? Is it the elite of their own country, that of another, or another group entirely? eyes? Is it the elite of their own country, that of another, or another group entirely?

The story of the deceit and Troika terms of security and people think that but still broadly adhering to this discourse occupation reflects a culturally eminent immigration policy is too „soft”. of illegitimacy surrounding the overthrow Greek narrative: the brave Greek hero By Paweł Sobolewski of Yanukovych and/or Western support David and his confrontation of the big of this. occupant Goliath. Be it against Turkey, By Adam Lenton Germany or the European Union, Greece Germany is a country that celebrates its victimhood, Poland 1 Trenin, pp.14-17 and draws much inspiration from 2 http://www.bbc.com/news/world- In general, German Euro-opponents suffering and collective pain. Just as the First of all, in order to answer the question europe-28229785 blame the so-called “Berufseuropäer”, Greek blues “Rembetiko” is based on and to be sure you will understand 3 http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2014/ by which they mean the ambassadors prolonging and wearing one´s sufferance the answer, I will write about the public mar/20/fascism-russia-and-ukraine/ to Brussels. German withdrawalist around the neck like a light evening mood in Poland. I would like to mention Russia Eurosceptics focus on any political enemy jacket, Greek identity proudly exhibits here that everything that I wrote is my who seemingly has political power victimhood and rising to collective personal opinion based on my feelings, Interestingly many Eurosceptic on the European stage but whom, they suffering under foreign occupations. observations and conversations with arguments tend to downplay the role claim, does not represent the public. By Nikolas Papageorgiou other people. of the European Union in these issues Since the last European Commission vote Poland is in a very difficult situation vis à vis the influence of the USA, they too are part of this group. So now 1 Greece in Crisis: Austerity, Populism and the right now. The society is becoming broadly fitting into the conceptualisation they blame the lack of surveillance of the Politics of Blame; Vasilopoulou, Sofia; Journal of more and more disappointed because of the European political situation as European institutions, by which they Market Study 2014/52 of the living conditions in their country. one of geopolitical vying for influence. pretend to be pursuing the strengthening Even though the Polish economy is In this light the USA is seen as the main of grassroots democracy. Hence, Euro- growing, as well as average salary, young adversary, provoking uprisings in opponents focus on presenting themselves people feel like there are tiny chances former Soviet republics in order to gain as the political seed for representing for them to have a bright future in their geopolitical influence there. “the middle” and the ”petite bourgeoisie” motherland. More and more political Geopolitics, it must be said, is a of the future Europe. affairs are being discovered. It does not popular subject in Russia, much more By Nico Drimecker help — obviously it makes things worse. so than in the EU.1 Popular books on Where is the European Union here? — the subject such as Nikolai Starikov’s The Netherlands you ask. Actually nowhere. Thanks to Geopolitics: How it’s done and Aleksandr our membership in the European Dugin’s The Foundations of Geopolitics Eurosceptics in the Dutch parliament Union we have made, as a country, should affirm that we should be wary are especially blaming ‘elites’. To use a huge progress — in the terms of public of legitimising these views: Starikov little exaggerated form of their arguments: transport, education and economy. is the leader of the ultraconservative the Dutch political establishment is But people do not realize that, which Great Fatherland Party and Dugin a far- blamed for their ‘cowardly’ performance is quite weird. Usually the first thing right figure in (neo-) Eurasianism, who Greece in Brussels, competences are there ‘taken associated with „the European Union” amongst other controversial remarks over’ by European Union elites, who term is the Shengen area — it is easier to considers war between Russia and As eminent political scientist Sofia are earning a lot of money and transfer leave the country in order to find a Ukraine as ‘inevitable’.2 To read too much Vasilopoulou suggests: the blame game the money to their own bank account and better life. The second one is: „There into the geopolitical aspect of tensions is an essential part of Greek politics.1 elites from indebted countries in the EU. are a lot of programmes and donations between the EU and Russia is to play The game, traditionally played by two It is perceived as if the Dutch are very supported by the European Union, but to the great power struggles this school main parties and recently extended generous in their EU contributions while they look like undeveloped ones. There of thought is sustained by. to a few new players on the block, is fairly they do receive few benefits in return. are many loopholes that can be exploited The discourse relating to fascism simple: one must simultaneously affirm Instead, the ones benefiting from EU (and they are exploited by cunning Poles) is particularly concerning in the case of their total innocence while shifting blame integration are ‘elites’, according to most or laws that are just ridiculous.” Poles do Ukraine, where the events on Maidan onto the other party. In the Greek context, of the Eurosceptics in the Netherlands. not blame the European Union for the and later on have been portrayed in blame-shifting is a formidable strategy It reflects the ‘globalization divide’ in lack of well paid jobs or for the widening a way both to strip Europe of any moral used to maintain the state of affairs and the country and across political parties on gap in living standards for different power (if it’s a fascist coup d’êtat then justify one´s own political legitimacy. This ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ of globalization. society classes — our government is to why does Europe support it?) and practice may be responsible for why few By Ries Kamphof blame for those problems. The European rally support for Putin (he’s both standing politicians have assumed responsibility Union topic appears only during the up to fascism and to the West).3 As a for the Greek economic crisis and instead, „foreign policy” or „incomers problem result what alternative discourse there pointed fingers at external actors such as in Europe” discussions. Those are two is within Russia is under pressure, the Troika and Germany. things that the European Union is blamed resulting in an increasingly homogenous, for — People do not feel safe in the EU in anti-Western stance, varying in degrees,

28 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 29 About the Euroscepticism Project

The Euroscepticism project has been Virtual Debates on the topic kick-started in 2014 and was carried of Euroscepticism until 2015. For over one year the organisation team has been working As early as spring 2014 there were two on the challenging task of bridging the (virtual) debates in which the topic online and offline world. has been discussed by European and Our clear aim has been bringing international voices. together young people from many The virtual debates focussed on current different places through virtual activities, issues on the EU, its role, and future. who otherwise probably would not The debates featured a number of have engaged with each other. Virtual participants from a variety of different activities are vital in order to connect countries (EU countries for the first debate people from different parts of Europe and and non-EU countries for the second even from different parts of the world. one) who all held different views on the The Euroscepticism project consisted discussed subjects. out of three components: Our participants were successful young two Virtual Debates, a Publication and people such as the Vice-Chair of ESN’s an Eat & Meet Event in Berlin. ICE committee and the representative of the Romanian Conservative Party in the UK. The first debate mainly focused on pressing internal issues such as the rise of Eurosceptic parties. Other topics included federalism and EU enlargement. The second debate was instead focused on an international perspective on the EU. Topics such as the EU’s foreign policy, the Ukrainian crisis, International cooperation and the legitimacy of Juncker as President of the EC were presented to non-EU participants.

30 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 31 About the Euroscepticism Project

Publication about the topic Eat & Meet Berlin, 18th March 2015 of Euroscepticism The topic of Eat & Meet in Berlin was During the second half of 2014 and Euroscepticism. Young professionals into the first half of 2015 the organising from Germany met senior guests team members worked on gathering over breakfast and discussed most a variety of voices on the topic of important aspects of euroscepticism Euroscepticism, which were meant to such as integration, economy, youth be put together in writing. unemployment, identity etc. The event took place at the European House in Berlin, a place where most important politicians from the EU meet when in Germany. The senior guests who took part were:

Matthias Wächter Director General of Centre International de Formation Européenne

Oliver Hänsgen Public Relations Adviser of the EU Information Office in Germany

Dr. Wolfgang Merz Head of Division in the Europe Department at the Federal Finance Ministry

32 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 33 About the Euroscepticism Project About the Euroscepticism Project Impressions from Eat & Meet Berlin, 18th March 2015 Impressions from Eat & Meet Berlin, 18th March 2015

34 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 35 About the Euroscepticism Project About the Euroscepticism Project Impressions from Eat & Meet Berlin, 18th March 2015 Impressions from Eat & Meet Berlin, 18th March 2015

36 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 37 About the Euroscepticism Project About the Euroscepticism Project Impressions from Eat & Meet Berlin, 18th March 2015 Impressions from Eat & Meet Berlin, 18th March 2015

38 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 39 project team

name at the European Center Berlin, Germany. She has of Geopolitical Analysis, work at Pure+Applied, and contribution author of dozens articles Pentagram Design in New age and publications inter alia York City. In November nationality for American think thank 2013, she obtained an MSc in Stratfor.com Culture & Society from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Additionally, she has a BFA adam lenton in Communication Design from Parsons The New School contributor for Design. Her research united kingdom interests include: social and 23 cultural conceptions of power/ knowledge in relation to visual cultures, analog and Adam Lenton graduated digital maps, and spirographs. from the University of Exeter with a BA in Russian and bethany collier International Relations and editor currently lives in Kazan, in 28 Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan new zealand where he studies Russian and Tatar at Kazan Federal University. For the past three Bethany Collier holds an years he has contributed MA in Political Science from to several think tanks and the Free University Berlin. projects related to foreign Her focus and research policy, mainly concerning interests lie in the Asia-Pacific Russia and the former Soviet region (specifically China), clay johnson republics. His main research civil society developments, editor interests include Central development politics and 28 Asia, Russia-EU relations, environmental policy. She was usa and contemporary Russian raised in Germany, completed political thought. her Political Science BA in New Zealand and spent a I am currently doing an year working in Japan before M.A. in Interdisciplinary returning to Europe. Latin American Studies in Berlin, Germany where, inter alia, I deal with the topic of inequality in Latin America. I also work as a freelance English teacher, mainly at adult educational centers in Berlin. Lastly, every now and again I edit Master’s bartosz mroczkowski theses written in English and translate texts from contributor German — and to a much poland carolyn thomas lesser extent Spanish — into English. I chose to work on graphic design this project because I am Graduate at the University 30 of Wroclaw, scholar at interested in the topic of the London Metropolian canada Euroscepticism and also Univeristy and intern at the because I wanted to practice Consulate General of the Carolyn is a graphic designer my editing abilities. Republic of Poland. Analyst and art director living in

40 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 41 Project Team Project Team

and International Studies Cavalieri del Lavoro”, some time in Romania, fields of interest are Common (with CIFE-IEHEI), association among the for a school project called Foreign and Security Policy, Communication (with most successful Italian Newsroum. Very interested NATO, EU Enlargement and different universities in entrepreneurs. Admitted to by the Euroscepticism issues, Western Balkan. She worked Spain, Netherlands and UK) the Italian Journalists Register, he participated last year to the for EurActiv Germany — the and, of course, winemaking I have been working as a study « The rise of xenophobic only pan-european media training. He collaborates with journalist since 2007. eurosceptic movements in network für EU-affairs. the Webmasters’ Association Europe », coordinated by of Granada (the first one in the Open Society Initiative edward sargeant Spain) and other projects. francesca larosa funda gündaydin jake hollis for Europe and the Public natalie ward Currently he studies also Diplomacy Council of editor editor agronomy in his free time. contributor contributor Catalonia. editor 23 italy turkey 24 29 united kingdom united kingdom united states I have studied Television kristy choi I am a student of British Journalism at the Istanbul Jake is a research intern at the editor I grew up in the beautiful Bilgi University, Istanbul, Politics and Legislative United Nations Economic and 21 Rocky Mountains and Studies at The University of Turkey. Later on I obtained Social Commission for Asia attended the University Hull. I became a student after an MA at the Gothenburg and the Pacific in Bangkok. united states narcis george of Colorado at Boulder serving for six years in the University from the School of He is soon to complete an matache with a major in French. I Global Studies, Gothenburg, British Army and undertaking Erasmus Mundus MA in Kristy will graduate from contributor studied abroad in France operational service with Sweden. Currently, I am Global Studies, jointly from Brown Universty this spring and completed internships 24 NATO. I will be working as enrolled in a master’s the University of Leipzig in with a degree in African- there and in the UK within a political researcher in UK fiona cooke program in History, Bulent Germany, Jawaharlal Nehru American Studies. She is romania/denmark the energy sector, and from Parliament in due course and editor francesca risso Ecevit University, Zonguldak, University in India and the interested in writing stories, there moved to Thailand for Turkey while also pursuing hope to gain future work 25 contributor University of Wroclaw in making films, and facillitating Born in Romania, living in a little over 2 years to work within politics. Policy areas of studies in a justice program Poland. He previously studied dialogue on the experiences Denmark, a true European as a Marketing Officer with canada 21 particular interest for myself via distant university. History at the University and cultural expressions of at heart. I have a Marketing the Thai Government’s Office are Europe, defence, and the poland of Cambridge in his native marginalized communities. studies background, and my of Natural Resources and global economy. Fiona Cooke is a political Britain. He is currently writing She hopes to live and work in hobby is politics, in special Environment. Deciding to science student with a Student at the Law and his MA thesis on global and Berlin, Germany. political campaigns. I am a return to Europe to complete Masters in International Law Administration Faculty regional disability policy in board member in the Social a Masters degree, I recently and Security from the Vrije of the University of Asia and the Pacific. mara pinkert Democrats Aalborg North completed an M.Sc. in Global Universiteit Amsterdam. Warsaw. Passionate about Change Management at the organiser party, and i have been an She has also completed an European legal issues, international campaign leader Eberswalde University for 30 undergraduate degree at politics and international for Lasse Frimand Jensen Sustainable Development the University of Ottawa relations. Participant of (Aalborg councilman) and in Germany. I am interested in the field of International various international Ole Christensen (S&D MEP). in environmental policy in Relations. She is currently youth conferences, most In 2015, i am going to be a particular, and have a desire an Intern for the External recently Student Forum gabriele rosana campaign consultant for Orla to work with like-minded Relations division of the Maastricht 2014 and Young contributor Hav (Danish parliamentary) individuals. International Criminal Court. emilio romero garcía European Council 2014 as 24 and local assistant for Rasmus Her key areas of interest are well as numerous EU and contributor Prehn (Danish parliamentary). transitional justice, African UN Models. Member of italy In the free time, i am involved 33 security and peace, and organization team of Warsaw- jean comte in the Integration Council development. spain Beijing Forum 2015. Privately Born in Sicily, with a classical contributor Aalborg, Aalborg Kulturskole, interested in political high school background, IUVENIS International, 26 Emilio Romero García, philosophy, literature and I moved to Rome to study milena michalovcik International Committee of cuisine. Law at LUISS University, france publicist specialised in organiser DSU Aalborg, Frit Forum, JEF where I’m graduating with a Aalborg and YATA Denmark. International Relations and 27 European Studies, now works master’s thesis dealing with Jean Comte is a Brussels- in the internationalisation of the constitutional issues risen based journalist, specialised serbia a winery in Granada, Spain. by the EU competence in in European affairs. He nico drimecker criminal affairs. I’m currently His work has led from local currently works as the EU Milena was born and raised contributor developing my project as a correspondent of the French market to international trade in Belgrade, Serbia. She has 34 from Spain to Belgium and visiting student to Utrecht Bulletin quotidien. Previously, been living in Germany for Japan, working in more University. When in Rome, I he collaborated with various last two and a half years. She germany countries. Also, his studies was granted a 5 years merit- media in Europe, including studied International politics have regarded to Law of based-only scholarship by the La Croix (Paris), Euractiv. in Belgrade and Heidelberg Nico Drimecker works as International Organizations Collegio “Lamaro Pozzani”, de (Berlin) and Le Quotidien and holds a MA degree in editor, writer and filmmaker (with UNITAR), European an institution sponsored by (Luxembourg). When he International Security. Her in Berlin. In cooperation the “Federazione nazionale was still a student, he spent

42 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 43 Project Team Project Team

with the German Think Tank year I took part in Lublin the most important political „Progressives Zentrum“ he MUN and then realized, and economical world’s worked on a digital campaign that I want to get involved in news and events. I would for strengthening the similar activities and seize like to visit every single european awareness. In the all opportunity to talk about country. I’ve already spent past he graduated in cultural both local and global policies. one year in Portugal. Future studies in Lüneburg when he I believe that YEL is a place, plans — volunteering in already wrote for websites, where I could develop my Brazil during the holidays. magazines and newspapers. skills. He grew up in the north nicole bogott nikolas papageorgiou simona falanga of Germany, also lived in organiser contributor contributor Hamburg, Münster and 29 27 23 Dortmund. After four years writing articles and producing germany greece italy/united kingdom videos for a newspaper he moved to Berlin to work as a Nicole is a global nomad Nikolas is the Lead Organizer Simona Falanga is currently freelancer. passionate about international of TEDxCollegeOfEurope reading International Studies politics and development 2015. He currently resides at St. Chad’s College, Durham economics. Besides being a in Bruges and follows the University. She is the Media YEL member Nicole currently postgraduate program at the ries kamphof Manager of Young European leads the country office of College of Europe. Before paul simpson contributor Leadership (henceforth YEL) a political foundation in coming to Bruges, Nikolas editor 29 and was the activity leader Namibia. Prior Nicole worked has worked and studied of YEL’s Virtual Debate 21 the netherlands for EurActiv — the only in The Hague, Straßburg, project on Euroscepticism. brazil/usa pan-European media for EU Göttingen, Brussels and For the last five years she has Affairs. She interned at the Kyoto. Amongst his work- Ries Kamphof is a researcher been involved in a number Chicago Council on Global stations are the Directorate Paul Simpson is a research international relations at the of projects aimed at raising Affairs, the Embassy of the General for European Affairs professional operating Dutch National Commission awareness on European nico goller Federal Republic of Germany at the German Federal Office out of Washington DC. He on Sustainable Development exchange programmes and recently achieved a First Class (NCDO). He is also doing contributor in Yemen, the German Council and the Center for European the importance of foreign on Foreign Relations and Policy Studies for the German Honours Degree in BA War a PhD at Leiden University language learning. She also 21 the Chamber of Commerce Council of Foreign Relatio and Security Studies from the on the EU as a global actor has a four year experience germany and Industry in Morocco. University of Hull, England. in climate negotiations in foreign language During her gap year she He currently provides (Political Science). Before teaching at Secondary and Highly motivated student travelled most of the Asian research support to the DC this, Ries worked as a Policy University level. Her main of European Studies in continent. Afterwards she Books to Prisons Project, a Adviser EU affairs at the areas of research include economic, legal and political earned a BA in Development charity that provides free Dutch Senate and as a project Euroscepticism in Western dimension with a main focus Studies and International reading materials to prisoners leader ‘Europe’ at a research Europe and EU­Russia on the foreign policy of the EU Relations from universities in across the United States. His centre on urban regions and relations. and its member states as well the UK, the U.S. and Turkey primary areas of interest metropolitan areas. Ries as on questions for the future focusing on the Middle East include counter-terrorism, studied European Law and of European integration. Very and East Asia. During a counter-insurgency, military Political Science at Leiden passionate about his subject. trilingual MA in in France psychology, climate change, University. His master thesis Already studied abroad at Nicole dealt with the topic patrycja gliwka disaster response, and for Political Science was of Cosmopolitan Democracy emergency medical care. on Euroscepticism in the the University of Warsaw contributor in the Polish capital. Is able in depth. At the Y8 & Y20s European Parliament, titled: 17 to speak all the languages Nicole headed international ‘socialization in a consensus- of the Big 6 countries of the delegations in Canada and poland paweł sobolewski oriented parliament’. He lives in The Hague, The EU. Already took part at in France. contributor Netherlands and likes (EU) several simulations of the My name is Patrycja Gliwka, 22 politics and sports. United Nations, also at the from Lublin, Poland. I am poland biggest one in New York. 17 years old and I attend There he gained many to legal class in secondary experiences in diplomacy and school. I decided to take part I’m 22 years old and negotiating. Currently gaining in the Euroscepticism project, I’m studying on the last practical experience in the because it is an opportunity year of electronics and fields of Public Affairs and to broaden my knowledge telecomunications and Public Administration and about the problem and get partially working. I live in Representation. some experience. I am highly the eastern Poland. I like interested in the law studies electronics, programming, and foreign relations. This good beer and to hang out with friends. I’m following

44 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 45 About Young European Leadership About Young European Leadership

Climate Action, Migration and Home G rowth and Aspirations of Young Affairs, and Education to Employment. European Leadership Other initiatives include Eat & Meet, a unique opportunity to foster the Since its foundation in 2011 YEL’s exchange between future leaders, policy portfolio has steadily increased, makers, and experts in informal dinner cooperating with a multitude setting. Past editions welcomed, among of international partners in over 20 Young European Leadership (YEL) is Summit, the International Energy others, the European Commission countries around the world active in an international nonprofit and Forum, the International Conference Director General for Environment Karl youth policy. The development of nonpartisan organization dedicated of Europeanists, and the Social Good Friedrich Falkenberg and World Bank the organization is met by a steadily to empowering young leaders and Summit. YEL prepares its delegations Lead Economist Theo Thomas. YEL has rising interest of external stakeholders future decision makers from Europe with specific trainings and meetings, organized Eat&Meet events in Brussels, and fast growing reach online and and beyond. Through engaging events, e.g. with the Prime Minister of Belgium Berlin, and London and plans further offline. To meet these increasing YEL aims to inspire these leaders from Elio Di Rupo or the G20 Sherpas of the editions throughout Europe. Going expectations YEL’s staff has grown all backgrounds to shape the future of European Union Richard Szostak and beyond borders, YEL has also organized continuously, representing young Europe, fostering innovative solutions António José Cabral. webinars, virtual debates, and other professionals and students from all to local and global challenges. YEL connects future decision makers initiatives such as the Euroscepticism over Europe and beyond. YEL aspires with each other as well as senior project in 2014. to further its standing as a reliable Activities of Young European policy makers also through its own partner in European and global youth Leadership initiatives. These events are created initiatives, to provide greater access to facilitate leadership skills and to to its programs, and to continuously YEL provides aspiring leaders with encourage the development of policy deliver relevant and constructive innovative forms of engagement recommendations by young people to input at all major conferences shaping to directly connect with experienced shape their own future. YEL’s flagship the lives of future generations. decision makers from all sectors. event is the Young European Council YEL has a strong track record to form (YEC). The YEC, organized for the delegations joining summits and first time in 2014, strives to be a youth other international events to give its counterpart of the European Council members the opportunity to speak up and the Council of the European Union. and provide critical policy input. One of The first YEC brought together over the responsibilities of YEL is to recruit 60 delegates from all over Europe to and train the official delegations of the provide actionable recommendations European Union to the annual Y7 (Y8) for European policy making around and Y20 Summits, the official young the themes of sustainability, digital counterpart to the G7 and G20 Summits. and youth employment. Guests to the Other international events include the event included European Commissioner European Development Days, the OECD Connie Hedegaard and European Forum including the exclusive OECD Committee of the Regions President IdeaFactory, the World Bank/IMF Annual Michel Lebrun. The YEC 2015 will Meetings, the Nuclear Knowledge address the topics Energy Union and

46 Euroscepticism Euroscepticism 47 Young European Leadership