Radical parties look set for vote boosts in Belgium

Significance This would be the first victory for the party in Flanders and at the national level. The party has pledged to impose a much stricter immigration policy and push for Flemish independence should it win the elections. The opinion polls also indicate that the communist Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB) will perform strongly. Impacts Belgium’s EU election results will be similar to the national ones, thereby boosting radical groups in the European Parliament. The elections will not undermine Belgium’s hitherto strong financial and military support for Ukraine. Israel’s offensive in Rafah could reduce resistance in Belgium to recognising Palestinian statehood.