The rising popularity of far-right parties in France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Poland, and Romania has raised concerns within NATO. These parties are attempting to turn the public's economic worries into opposition against military aid to Ukraine and rejection of national defense budgets, as well as a larger role for the European Union in defense matters.
Positions of Far-Right Parties
Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally in France, called last month for limiting aid to Ukraine, stating: "Financially, we can no longer continue." Roberto Vannacci, a former general and Member of the European Parliament leading the National Future Party, spoke of the necessity to reconsider defense spending, emphasizing that such expenses are unjustifiable amid rising commodity prices.
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Challenges for Mainstream European Parties
The main challenge for mainstream European parties is how to maintain support for high defense budgets while also addressing welfare needs and other priorities. Jani Koivusalo, Secretary General of the Finnish Ministry of Defense, stated: "People are facing rising living costs, which provides a breeding ground for populist radicalism." This dilemma intensifies as elections approach in major NATO countries, including France and Italy in 2027.
Reducing expenditures in major NATO countries could complicate efforts to reach the 5 percent GDP target for defense and security by 2035. Four NATO diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed concerns that this risk is expanding.
Declining Public Support for Ukraine
Public support for Ukraine is also declining. According to internal NATO polls, support has dropped from 59 percent in 2025 to 55 percent this year. Far-right parties such as the National Rally in France and the Romanian Union have taken a stance against aid to Kyiv. Meanwhile, protests against rising defense costs have been held in Rome, Brussels, and Madrid.
These developments could weaken NATO and Europe's ability to confront Russian threats. According to a NATO military official, "If major countries do not make progress, NATO will also come to a halt."
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