The political crisis in Europe has become a serious challenge for the stability of the European Union (EU). Various causal factors, such as rising populism, geopolitical conflicts, and the impact of the migration crisis, have created political tensions in several member states. In this context, the impact on the stability of the European Union becomes even more obvious. One of the main impacts of this crisis is increased political polarization. Countries such as Italy, Hungary, and Poland are experiencing the rise of populist parties that are undermining traditional consensus. These parties often oppose European institutions, spreading anti-EU narratives that impact public trust in EU policies. These changes in the political landscape could disrupt decision-making processes at European level, thereby hindering effective responses to pressing issues. Additionally, tensions between member states have the potential to undermine EU solidarity. For example, when countries disagree on how to handle migration, friction arises between countries that accept immigrants and those that reject them. This not only weakens relations between countries, but also increases the challenge of creating integrated and efficient policies across the EU. The economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic has also added to the burden on the stability of the European Union. Countries such as Greece and Spain, which were already struggling with public debt before the crisis, are now faced with expectations of a difficult economic recovery. This economic instability exacerbates social discontent, pushing more citizens to support populist parties promising change. From an external perspective, geopolitical threats from Russia and tensions in the Mediterranean Sea have also worsened the situation. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has forced the EU to unite in the face of aggression, but has also shown how political divisions can influence foreign policy. The inability to reach consensus in responding to global threats could weaken the EU’s bargaining position on the international stage. Another impact that is no less important is restrictions in the implementation of environmental policies. The EU’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 must be implemented amidst political challenges in particular from countries that are more dependent on fossil fuels. When public support declines due to political crises, implementation of environmental policies can be hampered, potentially resulting in adverse impacts on global climate goals. In addition, the issue of European identity has also been highlighted in this crisis. Political uncertainty leads to fundamental questions about what it means to be part of the EU. As a result, separatist movements could gain momentum, exacerbating potential disintegration within the bloc. Overall, the political crisis in Europe has had a significant impact on the stability of the European Union. To ensure the organization’s survival and stability, collective efforts are needed to address underlying issues, rebuild trust between member states, and strengthen European institutions to face future challenges.
