Dynamics of General Elections in Europe and Their Impact on Foreign Policy

The dynamics of elections in Europe often play a crucial role in shaping the foreign policies of European Union (EU) member states. In recent years, there has been increasing public participation in elections and strengthening populism which influences political decisions. This phenomenon not only involves voters, but also political parties who try to accommodate people’s aspirations. Various issues such as immigration, security and climate change are in the main spotlight. Elected national leaders often adapt their foreign policies to suit domestic agendas. For example, in Italy and Hungary, the victory of populist parties has ushered in a more skeptical approach to European integration and an embrace of nationalist policies. One clear example is the elections in France, where Emmanuel Macron managed to retain his seat on a promise to strengthen France’s position in the global arena. His victory had an impact on French foreign policy, which focused on strengthening European defense, as well as deepening relations with non-EU countries. With increasing tensions between Russia and Western countries, this is especially relevant. On the other hand, Scandinavian countries, such as Sweden and Norway, tend to maintain a progressive approach in foreign policy, remaining active on global issues, from humanitarian aid to climate action. This shows that despite a populist shift in some countries, there is still a spectrum of globally oriented foreign policies in Europe. Furthermore, the digitalization trend in general elections has had a significant impact on foreign policy communication. Social media is increasingly becoming an important tool for candidates to reach voters, which also influences public perceptions of foreign policy. Politicians must be able to adapt to digital platforms to express policies and respond to global challenges effectively. Changes in political alliances in Europe also had an impact on foreign policy. For example, after Brexit, the UK and the European Union will have to adjust to a new bilateral relationship. The UK is trying to strengthen relations with Commonwealth countries and strategic partners around the world, which could have an impact on global security dynamics. Finally, local political performance also influences foreign policy decisions. Countries with majority populations that demand that their leaders focus more on domestic issues often miss the opportunity to play an active role in global diplomacy. Therefore, elections in Europe not only have an impact on the foreign policy of the country concerned, but also on stability and cooperation at the global level. The dynamics of elections in Europe and their impact on foreign policy create new openings and opportunities, which can affect international relations as a whole.