Calls for Action
Governments should reform educational systems and endorse media responsibility
See Appendix i - How to counter the rise of the far and extreme right?
Introduce comprehensive civic education programs in schools that promote critical thinking, media literacy, and a nuanced understanding of political ideologies. Teach students about the dangers of extremism and the importance of democratic values.
Hold media outlets accountable for responsible reporting and ethical journalism through legal means, such as defamation, privacy and copyright laws. Usually, countries have governmental or independent regulatory bodies that oversee broadcast media to ensure they comply with laws and standards (e.g., the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States).
Governments should address socio-economic inequalities through the following:
See Appendix i - How to counter the rise of the far and extreme right?
Implement progressive taxation policies that redistribute wealth and resources more equitably, ensuring that the burden of taxation falls more heavily on those with higher incomes. Progressive taxation helps reduce economic inequality by redistributing wealth, which can alleviate the socio-economic grievances that often drive support for far-right parties
Enact policies that promote fair wages, job security, and decent working conditions, such as minimum wage laws, collective bargaining rights for workers, and regulations to prevent exploitation and discrimination in the workplace. Fair pay, stability in employment, and satisfactory working environments are crucial in providing economic stability for workers. Economic insecurity can drive people towards far-right ideologies that promise drastic solutions and scapegoat minorities or immigrants for economic woes.
Expand access to affordable housing through measures such as rent control, subsidised housing programs, and incentives for affordable housing development in urban areas.
Invest in community-building initiatives that bring people together across lines of difference, such as neighbourhood associations, community centres, and grassroots organisations focused on mutual aid and solidarity. Community-building initiatives that bring people together across lines of difference can help reduce prejudice and foster understanding.
Political parties should actively work with marginalised communities and address their concerns and enforce existing hate crime laws rigorously and update legislation to better address online extremism
See Appendix i - How to counter the rise of the far and extreme right?
Promote policies that promote social justice, economic equality, and inclusive governance.
Provide law enforcement agencies with the resources and training needed to identify and prosecute individuals involved in extremist activities.
Governments should require social media platforms to adopt clear and consistent content moderation policies that explicitly prohibit extremist propaganda, hate speech, and incitement to violence.
See Appendix i - How to stop extremist propaganda on social media - which regulation is needed?
Platforms should establish transparent processes for content removal and appeals, with clear guidelines on what constitutes prohibited content.
Mandate that social media companies provide regular transparency reports detailing their efforts to combat extremist propaganda, including the number of accounts removed, actions taken against harmful content, and cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
Governments should cooperate globally through the following:
See Appendix i - How to stop extremist propaganda on social media - which regulation is needed?
Facilitate international cooperation between governments, law enforcement agencies, and social media platforms to address the transnational nature of online extremism. Establish mechanisms for sharing intelligence, coordinating enforcement actions, and harmonising regulatory approaches across jurisdictions.
Establish independent oversight bodies with the authority to monitor and assess social media companies' compliance with regulations on combating extremist propaganda. These bodies should include representatives from civil society, academia, and government, with the power to conduct audits, issue recommendations, and impose sanctions for non-compliance
Main Outcomes:
By addressing socioeconomic inequalities, promoting inclusive narratives, and strengthening social cohesion, the call for action would reduce the appeal and influence of far-right ideologies.
Efforts to regulate social media platforms and combat extremist propaganda would lead to a safer and more responsible digital environment.
Initiatives to promote social cohesion and intergroup dialogue would foster a sense of belonging and solidarity among diverse communities.
Panel Discussion Summary
The discussion began with an exploration of the definition of right-wing extremism and its causes, such as economic crises, income inequality, demographic shifts, and societal fears. There was also an emphasis on the role of populist narratives in exploiting these concerns.
Karl Graf Stauffenberg emphasised the multifaceted reasons behind the rise of extremism, including economic factors like inflation and cost of living, demographic shifts, and immigration. He underscored the need for nuanced approaches to addressing these issues at various levels, from local to EU, with a focus on compensation mechanisms, structural adjustments, and education. He also highlighted the subjective fears and perceptions driving extremist sentiment, urging for a broader understanding of democracy's historical importance and the consequences of its abandonment. He advocated for more constructive dialogue among political parties and a return to objective reporting in the media to counteract polarisation and promote democratic values.
Ulrich Brückner delved into the historical context of authoritarian ideas, noting shifts in public attitudes towards strong leadership and discrimination against diversity. He discussed the evolution of populism in Germany, pointing out its ambiguous alignment with both left and right ideologies. Brückner explored the impact of successful integration on societal conflicts and the erosion of trust in political institutions, particularly due to perceptions of elite self-interest. He highlighted concerns about the role of technology in shaping political discourse and decision-making, cautioning against the potential misuse of information and AI-driven content production. Brückner concluded with reflections on the challenges facing democratic systems, emphasising the need for constructive solutions to preserve European integration amidst nationalist sentiments and existential crises.
Willem Noe discussed populism as a phenomenon characterised by its appeal to "normal people" and opposition to perceived corrupt elites, regardless of political orientation. He linked the rise of populism to economic crises, income inequality, and demographic shifts, as well as issues like inflation, cost of living, and immigration. Noe emphasised the need for tailored responses to populism at both EU and member state levels, including compensation mechanisms and educational initiatives to combat misinformation. He advocated for engagement with citizens and stakeholders, rather than direct confrontation with populist leaders, and stressed the importance of historical perspective and optimism in addressing ongoing crises within the EU.
Overall, the panellists advocated for a multi-dimensional strategy that combines economic reforms, social support mechanisms, education on democratic values, and public discourse to address the root causes of right-wing extremism and promote a more inclusive society.