Europe is here: The European Union in the eyes of catholic-nationalist circles in Poland

According to the founding treaties, the European Union is based on the recognition of certain values: freedom, democracy, pluralism, diversity, and equality between women and men. Although existing data indicate that Polish society is generally supportive of the EU, recent discussions about Polexit and axiological conflicts within Polish society suggest that these values do not enjoy universal and unconditional support. We employed a mixed methods approach to analyze the attitudes of Poles towards the EU. Using quantitative methods, we identified key aspects of a radical Catholic-nationalistic orientation. Based on a qualitative investigation, we established that those with a radical axiological orientation who reject European values do not proclaim anti-Europeanism openly. An analysis of data from far-right actors’ social media provides a more precise understanding of the meanings and emotions associated with Europe and the European Union within radical Catholic-nationalist narratives. The most prominent feature of these narratives is the emphasis on the alleged “moral decline” of older European societies, along with the postulation of alternative forms of European integration that move away from cultural integration.