Populism and Economic Dynamics in Europe. First part of the Policy Crossover Center Program on the upcoming European Elections

The following analysis is devoted to the upcoming European Parliament elections and the likely impact of populist parties on the outcome. First we define populism, then we analyze its roots and the structure of its voters. The populist political agenda relating to the European Integration Project is twofold: partly an explicit request for a renationalisation of economic policy, partly a
hidden agenda to prompt countries to exit from the EU. The study proposes an alternative proactive agenda, starting with an impartial account of progress and problems. It then puts forth a vision of Europe as a role model for high income, low inequality regions, with a new view of globalization, migration, and partnership with neighbors. This narrative of Europe as the society
offering the broadest choices for its citizens could reconnect the EU with its citizens, as well as stimulate bottom - up innovations and activities.