Euroscepticism in Hungary and Poland: A Comparative Analysis of Jobbik and the Law and Justice Parties

Abstract

Euroscepticism is one of the most contested concepts within political science discourse; its definitions, classifications and criteria are widespread. Using Szczerbiak & Taggart, Kopecký & Mudde as well as Chris Flood, this essay intends to describe the attitudes of citizens towards the European Union in Hungary and Poland ten years after accession to the EU. Two dominant parties from Central Eastern Europe, which are classified as Eurosceptic according to scientists and experts, represent dissatisfied and even hostile constituencies towards EU engagement within Hungary and Poland. A comparative analysis of the two parties shows their similarities at the national level, yet reveals important differences in terms of ideology as well as their classification of Euroscepticism.

Keywords

• Euroscepticism
• parties
• European Union
• Hungary
• Poland