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PRIDE & PREJUDICE | Europe must defend diversity and democracy against growing pressure, says professor Hendrik Vos

by Timothy••0

2026 marks the nineteenth (19th) edition of Antwerp Pride. From Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 August, Antwerp in Belgium will once again be taken over by rainbow vibes. Prides are a mix of celebration – parties – and activism and advocacy. For the 2026 edition, the organising committee focuses on fearing less and being fearless.

The European Union remains resilient despite growing pressure from far-right movements, populism and attempts to undermine democratic values, but it must become more decisive in defending the rule of law and diversity, according to political scientist Hendrik Vos.

In an interview with Antwerp Pride Magazine, the Ghent University professor and director of the Centre for EU Studies reflected on the rise of far-right politics across Europe, the influence of Donald Trump‘s MAGA movement, LGBTQIA+ rights, and the challenges posed by social media and major technology companies.

Vos said there were reasons for both concern and optimism. In the short term, democratic values are facing increasing pressure, but Europe’s history has shown that the Union often manages to reverse negative developments during major crises. He cautioned, however, that history is also unpredictable and warned against assuming that democratic progress is inevitable.

Far right stronger, but divided

Vos acknowledged that far-right parties have become significantly stronger, including in the European Parliament, where many share positions similar to those promoted by United States President Donald Trump. Trump has openly expressed support for such movements in Europe.

However, Vos argued that the European far right is far from united. Different political groups, including Patriots for Europe, Europe of Sovereign Nations and parts of the European Conservatives and Reformists group, often disagree with one another, limiting their collective effectiveness.

He also questioned whether Trump’s endorsement is necessarily an electoral advantage. While Trump has a committed base of supporters in Europe, Vos believes the number of Europeans who oppose him is much larger, prompting many far-right parties to keep a degree of distance from Washington. He pointed to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as an example, noting that Trump’s backing had not translated into electoral success.

Migration debate has shifted

According to Vos, the influence of the far right is most visible in migration policy.

He argued that fears surrounding asylum and refugees have increasingly been adopted by more mainstream political parties, resulting in stricter migration policies and greater investment in border control. However, he stressed that this pattern is not replicated across every policy field. Climate policy, for example, continues to advance at European level despite resistance from conservative parties.

Vos described it as a strategic mistake for centrist parties to adopt large parts of the far-right narrative on migration, warning that such an approach ultimately strengthens rather than weakens populist movements.

Diversity is Europe’s strength

Vos said Europe’s greatest strength lies in its diversity.

The European Union consists of member states with different histories, cultures, political traditions and social values. Rather than seeing these differences as obstacles, he argued they should be embraced as the foundation of European cooperation.

He said European policymaking inevitably requires compromise between differing viewpoints, and although those compromises are often difficult and imperfect, they remain central to the European project.

At the same time, Vos insisted there are limits to compromise.

“If a government starts suppressing press freedom or something similar, then you are gnawing away at the DNA of the EU concept,” he said.

He argued that democratic institutions, media freedom and diversity itself should never become bargaining chips in political negotiations.

Orbán shows dangers of waiting too long

Vos warned that the EU has sometimes reacted too slowly when democratic standards have come under threat.

Referring to Hungary, he said European leaders initially assumed Viktor Orbán’s government could simply be waited out. Instead, Orbán consolidated his position and found enough allies within the EU to delay or weaken sanctions.

According to Vos, the longer the Union waits before responding, the more difficult it becomes to restore democratic norms. While Europe has eventually found ways to limit some of Hungary’s influence, he believes the Union could have acted earlier and more decisively because the rule of law concerns the very foundations of European integration.

Technology companies can be regulated

The professor also addressed concerns about the growing influence of social media on younger generations, with several studies suggesting that parts of Europe’s youth are becoming more conservative.

He welcomed the fact that the issue has become a political priority and that the EU has introduced measures aimed at regulating large American technology companies, even if finding effective solutions remains difficult.

Vos argued that Europe holds significant leverage because of the size of its single market.

With around 450 million relatively affluent consumers, the European market is too important for major technology companies to abandon, giving the EU considerable negotiating power. He said Europe should not hesitate to regulate digital platforms simply because technology companies or the US administration object.

According to Vos, recent developments demonstrate that the EU is capable of standing its ground, providing reason for cautious optimism about Europe’s ability to defend democracy and fundamental rights in the years ahead.

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🇧🇪 Blogger, keen vexillologist, train conductor NMBS/SNCB, traveller, F1 follower, friend of Dorothy.

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