Upcoming Events Far right youth wings and the progressive challenge 23.09.2026 What will the future of the far right look like? Cas Mudde analysed ten youth wings of far-right parties across Europe in search of answers. Join us on 12 October to discuss his findings. Image: Creator: Shutterstock / FEPS Like every political movement, the far right is continuously changing, adapting and reinventing itself. What will its future look like? The best way to examine this question is by looking at the next generation of leadership. In his new book, Cas Mudde, one of the leading scholars on the far right, has looked at the youth wings of ten populist radical parties across Europe. On 12 October, he will join us to discuss his findings on their mobilisation, socialisation, internationalisation, professionalisation, and normalisation. Comparing youth movements He will be joined by Mariam Asghari, Secretary General of the Young European Socialists, and Emma Rafowicz, S&D MEP and former President of the Socialist Youth in France. Together, we will also compare far-right youth wings to their progressive counterparts. Are they fishing in the same pond for members? What are the key differences? And what strategies could help strengthen social democratic youth movements and/or weaken far-right ones?Join us and the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) for a timely discourse on the political future of Europe. Date: Monday, 12 October, 17:30 - 20:00 CEST Venue: Kamilou, Rue Joseph II 36, 1000 Brussels Register now Programme overview Agenda 17:30 Registration & refreshments 18:00 Opening RemarksChristian Salm, Head of Democracy Programmes, FEPSTobias Mörschel, Director EU Office, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung 18:10 Book Presentation: Youth Wings of the Populist Radical RightCas Mudde, Professor of International Affairs, University of Georgia 18:35 A Conversation on Youth, the Far Right, and Progressive MovementsCas Mudde, Professor of International Affairs, University of GeorgiaEmma Rafowicz, S&D Member of the European Parliament (tbc)Mariam Asghari, Secretary General, Young European Socialists Moderated by Matteo Dressler, Policy Analyst for Democracy and Participation, FEPS 19:30 Reception Related articles Image: Creator: Fedos Gut | Shutterstock Sunday, 03.05.2026 Publication Countering the Far Right in the European Parliament The European Parliament has been shifting to the right through a gradual rise in right-wing alliances and subtle forms of cooperation. Our policy brief examines this trend and how it can be countered. Image: Creator: © Mihajlo Maricic | Getty Images via canva.com Friday, 06.02.2026 News Publication Policy Brief: The vicious cycle of far-right success in Europe The recent successes of far-right parties across Europe leave many progressive actors puzzled. Democratic parties are struggling to win back voters - and even contribute to further losses, as Tarik Abou-Chadi in his Brussels Democracy Paper. Image: Creator: © VanderWolf-Images | Getty Images via canva.com Thursday, 19.02.2026 News Publication Policy Brief: Time to connect the dots - how (not) to defend European democracy The EU' Democracy Shield is supposed to strengthen and sustain democratic resilience across Europe. In reality, however, it fails to do what its name suggests, analyses Alice Stollmeyer in our newest Brussels Democracy Paper. Event contact Marco Schwarz Policy Officer Democracy & Rule of Law, EU Enlargement Marco.Schwarz(at)fes.de
