- In Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and the UK, populist parties with Euro-skeptic platforms are becoming more and more successful.
- The Euroskeptic movement has gained momentum from civilian groups questioning the requirements and effects of the EU, stating that joining the EU restricts a nation’s freedom, forces free borders, and forces a nation to pay dues to the EU.
- In Finland, a moderate Euroskeptic party is part of the coalition government.
- In Denmark, a minority government relies on a Euroskeptic party for support.
- These Euroskeptic parties led to to the Brexit referendum.
- The Brexit referendum, where Britain voted to stay or leave the EU, left the future of the EU in question as Britain prepares to leave in two years time.
- While sales and housing remain stable, the pound has fallen severely, the economy seems to be shrinking.
- The number of hate crimes in Britain jumped by 41% after the referendum passed, migration has reached an all time high and permanent job hiring reached an all time low.
- The EU’s future prospects remain uncertain, as the official splitting off from the EU has not occurred yet and Britain has not spoken on the terms of its exit.
- In response to the refugee crisis, Sweden and Denmark have instituted a temporary system of border controls to deal with the flow of refugees.
- There is worry that the flow of refugees may take jobs, cause damage to the economy and strain the state.
- Worries have arisen due to attempts to integrate refugees into European society, as those with Muslim backgrounds have allegedly committed violent acts, worrying leaders and contributing to tightened border security.
- The Schengen policy of free borders between EU states, allowing for easy travel between member states has been put into question by these concerns and their actions, as Sweden (a country with a large number of refugees), Denmark and Finland put temporary border control instead of obeying Schengen policy.