Features of Euroscepticism in the Euro-Optimistic Society: Mapping Lithuanian Party-Based Euroscepticism

This article examines the political manifestations of Eurosceptic Lithuanian political parties and their degree of Euroscepticism in the context of a rather euro-optimistic Lithuanian society. The Eurobarometer surveys (2024) indicate that more than 77% of Lithuanian citizens (higher than the EU average) consider the EU a very important institution. However, there has been an increased number of Eurosceptic party lists in the European Parliament elections in 2024 and increased number of elected representatives joined Eurosceptic political groups in the EP. The aim of this paper is to analyse the extent and characteristics of Euroscepticism among Lithuanian political parties. The research includes an analysis of the data on the 2024 EP elections results, as well as content analysis of the manifestos of Eurosceptic political parties. The study covers cultural, identity, economic, nationalist and pro-Russian aspects of the ideological orientations of political parties. It is argued that in Lithuania, party-based Euroscepticism are diffused and do not have a major influence on the national political agenda yet. Lithuanian Eurosceptic parties are characterized by a soft Euroscepticism and a similar ‘anti-genderist’, ‘pro-traditional family’ campaign.