Transformation of Euroscepticism at the Present Stage of European Integration on the Example of Eurosceptic Parties in Italy and France

Today the European Union is undergoing a number of crisis phenomena. Among them are the problem of migration, the crisis of the euro zone, terrorist attacks, the crisis of the legitimacy of unification, the growth of nationalism, the radicalization of Islamist sentiments, and xenophobia. In addition, the spread of COVID-19 has become a serious challenge. The turbulent state of the EU impedes the process of coordination and decision-making at the level of supranational EU institutions. This leads to the spread and strengthening of Eurosceptic sentiments in society. Also, the growth of Euroscepticism contributes to dissatisfaction with the policies pursued by the national authorities. The 2019 European Parliament elections demonstrated the high level of support for Eurosceptic parties that creates a number of limitations for the integrity and continuity of the EU. However, today’s Euroscepticism differs from the Euroscepticism of 2014 elections. The rhetoric of Eurosceptics has transformed. This leads to the transition of Eurosceptic parties from the periphery parties to the mainstream party. The Italian Lega and the French National Rally are the main participants of the systematization in the European political system. Euroscepticism is becoming a long-playing ideology, the essence of which is not to deny European integration, as it was earlier, but to integrate Eurosceptic parties into the political system at the national and supranational levels.