On February 8, 2025, the last meeting of far-right politicians in Madrid marked an important moment in European politics, reflecting the growing influence of nationalist movements across the continent. The event was not only a political summit, but also a celebration of former US President Donald Trump’s rise to power. The enthusiasm shown by Europe’s far-right leaders demonstrated their admiration for Trump’s political style and their desire to repeat similar victories in their own countries.
The core message of the Madrid rally was shaped by an important shift in political dynamics. Trump’s slogan “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) was adapted to “Make Europe Great Again” (MEGA), signaling an ideological alignment with Trump’s populist nationalism. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said, “Our friend Trump, the Trump hurricane, has completely changed the world in just a few weeks… An era is over. Yesterday we were deviant, today we are mainstream. Today everyone sees that we are the future.”
This statement highlights the transformation of far-right movements from being seen as marginal elements to becoming central actors in European politics. Just ten years ago, figures like Marine Le Pen, Geert Wilders and Santiago Abascal were seen as extremists with little chance of winning votes. However, the rise of Trump provided them with a model of success, emboldening their movement and making their rhetoric more acceptable to the mainstream.
The Normalization of Far Right Politics
Until Trump’s presidency, mainstream media and political analysts often categorized these leaders and their parties as “extremists” and labeled their rhetoric as xenophobic and fascist. But with Trump’s success in reshaping American politics, these same figures are now accepted in mainstream political discourse. This shift highlights how Trump’s presidency legitimizes nationalist, anti-immigrant and protectionist policies that were previously considered too radical for major European political parties.
One of the main strategies of the European far right is to frame themselves as defenders of national sovereignty and cultural identity against the forces of globalization and liberal policies. The EU, long a symbol of unity and cooperation, is now a primary target for these groups. They see Brussels as a bureaucratic entity that undermines national traditions and imposes regulations that restrict individual freedoms. Their aim is to break up the EU, or at least significantly weaken its influence and replace it with a coalition of strong, independent nation states.
The Far Right’s Crusade against Islam and Migrants
One of the most worrying aspects of this political movement is its open hostility towards Islam and migrants. The far-right narrative portrays Islam as a threat to European culture and associates it with terrorism, crime and social instability. This discourse fuels anti-Muslim sentiments and promotes policies aimed at restricting immigration, banning religious symbols and even mass deportations.
The reference to the “Reconquista” in the Madrid summit is particularly worrying. Reconquista originally referred to the centuries-long campaign by Christian kingdoms to reclaim Spain from Muslim rule, culminating in the fall of Granada in 1492. While some see it as a historic victory for Christianity, most historians see it as a period of religious persecution, forced conversion and intolerance. By using this term, far-right leaders are not only referring to history; they are also advocating a modern expulsion of Muslims from Europe.
Geert Wilders, a longtime critic of Islam, praised Spain for its historic role in pushing back Islam, saying, “You were the first to push back Islam, to force it to retreat and revive the rich Christian heritage in your country. That’s why we are big fans of Spain.” Such statements reflect a dangerous ideological position that seeks to exclude entire communities based on religion and ethnicity.
European Muslims and the Impact on Turkey-EU Relations
The rise of the far right in Europe has profound implications for the 6 million Turks and 15 million other Muslims living in the EU. Policies targeting Muslim communities, such as halal food bans, restrictions on mosques and bans on Islamic clothing, are likely to become more widespread. The growing influence of nationalist parties could also lead to widespread discrimination, surveillance and social exclusion.
Moreover, the shift towards ultra-nationalist policies in Europe will undoubtedly affect Turkey-EU relations. Turkey has long sought EU membership, but with the rise of anti-Muslim and anti-Turkish sentiments in European politics, this goal seems increasingly unattainable. The far right’s vision of Europe does not include deeper integration with Turkey; instead it leans towards tighter border controls and reduced ties with countries outside Europe.
Conclusion
The meeting of far-right leaders in Madrid marks a turning point in European politics. What was once considered extreme discourse is entering the mainstream, driven by the success of Trump’s nationalist agenda. With a new call for a “Reconquista”, the European far right is positioning itself as the dominant force in shaping the continent’s future. This movement threatens not only minority communities, but also the core democratic values that define modern Europe, such as inclusion and tolerance.
As far-right parties gain power, their policies will increasingly shape decision-making at national and EU level. The challenge for democratic institutions and progressive movements is to counter this rise by strengthening policies that promote unity, diversity and human rights. The European far right sees their fight as not just political, but a fight for the soul of the continent.
