Central and East European Euroscepticism in 2014: Domestic Politics Matter!

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the performance of eurosceptic parties in the European Parliament (EP) elections of 2014 in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The emphasis is placed on the importance of domestic factors in the development of eurosceptic parties. While domestic factors dominate both the agenda of the eurosceptic parties and the nature of political competition, we observe some common features among the CEE countries. The EP elections remain second-order elections, despite having been integrated into the domestic electoral cycles. Political parties in CEE have successfully adapted to the EP elections and use them instrumentally for predominantly domestic purposes. The rise of the eurosceptic parties should be seen in the context of continuing trust in the European Project and support for European Union (EU) membership.