Europe is once again at a crossroads on migration policy, grappling with the twin pressures of demographic change and political extremism. The latest United States National Security Strategy, published last week, adds an additional layer of complexity, portraying European nations as standing on the brink of “civilizational erasure” and warning that, within decades, certain National Security member states’ populations may become majority non-European. While the US strategy does not dictate EU policy, its narrative resonates dangerously with the rhetoric of far-right parties across the continent, further amplifying political anxieties and influencing policy discussions.

For over a decade, the European far right has relied on the portrayal of mass migration as an existential threat to the continent, often framing it as a risk greater than traditional geopolitical challenges, such as Russia. This discourse combines race, Christianity, nationalism, and a narrative of racial dominance, effectively dividing communities and countries at a time when Europe faces a pressing demographic reality: population aging. Without newcomers to fill low-paid but essential roles, particularly in the care sector, the continent risks creating severe economic and social gaps, especially in systems designed to care for its growing elderly population.

The alignment of US strategic messaging with some of these narratives is likely to embolden far-right politicians. The strategy implicitly validates fears of “cultural replacement” and mass migration, sentiments that are gaining traction in Europe, where citizens increasingly blame migrants for rising costs, integration challenges, and perceived failures in governance. Within this context, asylum and migration issues have become highly politicized, providing a platform for populist leaders to capture attention and mobilize support, regardless of the factual accuracy of their claims or the........

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