Europe for Citizens: PopEU - Anti EU-rhetoric versus own national interests? Nationalistic populism and its reception in Central Europe

General information

Code: EU/EforCitizens
Period: 1.9.2017 - 28.2.2019
Project leader at FDV: prof.dr. Maja Bučar
Research activity: Družboslovje

Abstract

Political discourse in Central Europe is (1) increasingly shaped and influenced by EU-skepticism, (2) progressively focused on national-based policy solutions rather than joint European strategies, and (3) often characterized by simplified, nationalist-populistic rhetoric. The 'Anti EU-rhetoric versus national interests? Nationalistic populism and its reception in Central Europe’ project thus explores why political and societal actors resort to the ‘anti-European’ rhetoric. The project aims to discover if and to what extent as well as why people believe in this rhetoric and regard it as justified. It also depicts if and to what extent ‘EU bashing’ and isolationist policymaking fail to deliver on its promises and how (in the medium and long run) they may even damage national interests. A bottom-up approach to studying these issues is employed, whereby great emphasis is put on citizens’ opinions. Research is conducted in five countries, from which project partners originate (i.e. Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia). Project partners: • ÖGfE – Austrian Society for European Politics, Vienna, Austria (Lead Organisation) • EUROPEUM – Institute for European Policy, Prague, Czech Republic • Center for European Neighborhood Studies, Central European University, Budapest, Hungary • GLOBSEC Policy Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia • Centre of International Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia The project is co-founded by the Europe for Citizens programme.