Capitals, Oct. 8 — European initiatives to bolster defense capabilities and rearm are increasingly challenged by the rising popularity of far-right political parties. These parties are leveraging public concerns about escalating living costs to oppose military spending and aid for Ukraine, according to a report by U.S. magazine Politico.
Far-right groups in countries such as France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Romania, and Belgium are attempting to convert economic discontent into resistance against funding for Ukraine, increases in defense budgets, and a more prominent European Union role in defense, despite having differing stances on these subjects.
Last month, Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s National Rally, advocated for reducing aid to Ukraine, stating that France could no longer sustain such support. In Italy, Roberto Vannacci, a former general and head of the National Future party, called for a reassessment of defense expenditures, asserting that heightened military spending is unwarranted amid rising costs of essential goods.
These evolving political dynamics are positioning European governments and mainstream parties in a challenging scenario as they strive to sustain public backing for increased defense budgets, which now must compete with social welfare and public service funding. Janne Kuusela, the permanent secretary at Finland’s Ministry of Defence, indicated that rising living costs are fostering a climate ripe for “populist rhetoric” regarding financial support for Ukraine and necessary defense investments.
The far-right parties’ positions on defense generally fall into three categories: opposition to military aid for Ukraine, rejection of collective EU defense projects, and criticism of rising defense budgets. Notably, the National Rally and Romania’s Alliance for the Union of Romanians oppose aid to Kyiv, while Poland’s Law and Justice party and the Netherlands’ Party for Freedom challenge EU-level defense initiatives. Germany’s Alternative for Germany and Italy’s National Future critique overall increases in defense spending.
Critics of these far-right movements argue that their sentiments may align with Russian interests. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius voiced concerns that the pressure from the right is primarily driven by external influences, particularly from Moscow.
As far-right parties gain traction, centrist parties face intensifying pressure to defend commitments to enhance military spending while attempting to maintain public support. The urgency of this situation grows with upcoming elections in 2027 in major NATO member states, including France, Italy, and Poland, alongside preparations for next year’s government budgets.
Delays in defense spending could hinder NATO’s goal of allocating 5 percent of gross domestic product to defense and security by 2035. A NATO military official has remarked that the alliance must “catch up with Russia,” cautioning that a reduction in support could lead to diminished military capabilities.
European nations and Canada are anticipated to spend around $634 billion on core defense in the current year, reflecting an 11 percent increase from 2025. However, a recent poll from the European Council on Foreign Relations indicated that 46.2 percent of respondents across eight European countries oppose increasing defense spending if it requires higher taxes, with notable opposition in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Poland.
An internal NATO poll revealed a decline in public support for aid to Ukraine, dropping from 59 percent in 2025 to 55 percent this year, with direct military assistance proving to be the least favored form of support.
Political pressures are already impacting defense strategies in some nations. In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has proposed reducing defense spending by approximately €8 billion, responding to demands from her coalition partner, the League. In Poland, President Karol Nawrocki, supported by the Law and Justice party, has attempted to block nearly €44 billion in EU defense loans, citing concerns about increased dependence on Brussels and future debt burdens for citizens.
NATO officials and diplomats express worries that a slowdown in spending by key nations might undermine military capabilities essential for deterring Russia. If major countries fail to make progress in defense initiatives, it could compromise both the alliance’s and Europe’s security while leaving Ukraine more vulnerable.
Guntram Wolff, a senior fellow at Bruegel, a Brussels-based think tank, noted that pressure to reevaluate defense spending could influence overall defense allocations in the EU’s upcoming long-term budget, especially if discussions continue into next year. The unfolding debate over European rearmament underscores the necessity not only of securing military resources but also of maintaining public support for increased defense spending in light of economic strains and the rise of political movements prioritizing national welfare over collective security commitments.
