The recent European Parliament elections have seen a significant surge in support for nationalist and right-wing parties, reshaping the political landscape of the EU.

This shift holds considerable implications for Türkiye and the Turkish Cypriot community, affecting diplomatic and economic relations with the European Union.

The Electoral Shift

The June 2024 elections marked a notable victory for nationalist and Euroskeptic parties. Groups such as the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) and Identity and Democracy (ID) experienced substantial gains, driven by influential figures like Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and Hungary’s Viktor Orbán. This trend reflects broader European disillusionment with traditional parties amidst economic challenges and immigration concerns.

Key Figures and Outcomes

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán have become central figures in this political landscape. Meloni’s Brothers of Italy emerged as a significant force within the ECR, while Orbán continues to champion nationalist policies that resonate across Central and Eastern Europe. France and Germany also witnessed a notable rise in nationalist sentiment, with Marine Le Pen's National Rally and the AfD gaining ground.

Among the most surprising outcomes was the election of 24-year-old YouTuber Fidias Panayiotou from South Cyprus, who ran as an independent candidate and won a seat in the European Parliament. Panayiotou’s platform was largely built on his social media presence, and his victory is seen as a wake-up call for traditional political parties. His alignment with the far-right ELAM party, which also secured a seat for the first time, indicates a growing acceptance of nationalist sentiments within Cyprus.

Implications for Türkiye

The rise of the nationalist right presents both challenges and opportunities for Türkiye. On the one hand, these parties' Euroskeptic stances may complicate Türkiye’s EU accession talks and diplomatic engagements, given their hardline positions on immigration and identity politics. However, the realignment could also offer Türkiye avenues to negotiate bilateral agreements with individual EU member states, bypassing broader EU constraints.

Impact on Turkish Cypriots

For the Turkish Cypriot community, the shift in the European Parliament necessitates a strategic reassessment. The nationalist right’s emphasis on national sovereignty may resonate with the Turkish Cypriot position advocating for a two-state solution in Cyprus. This could potentially garner more support for their political aspirations within certain EU circles. However, the nationalist agenda might also lead to more stringent policies affecting Turkish Cypriots, particularly regarding freedom of movement and economic integration within the EU.

TCE Conclusion

The ascendance of nationalist right-wing parties in the European Parliament marks a critical juncture for European politics, with significant repercussions for Türkiye and the Turkish Cypriot community. While this shift introduces new diplomatic challenges, it also provides strategic opportunities for Türkiye to redefine its relationship with the EU and for Turkish Cypriots to seek greater political leverage. Navigating this new political landscape will require adept diplomacy and strategic alliances to safeguard and advance their interests.