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A new research project has raised fresh debate over whether the Brussels elite can weather the political storms brewing around the bloc. The spread of populism around Europe is damaging the dream of an EU superstate fancied by europhile politicians, sparking panic in socialist leaders who have been forced to tackle issues like migration. Cross party think tank DEMOS has examined the resurgence of nationalism - questioning whether 2017 will be the year to bring European Union to its knees. This week saw the UK launch of its publication ‘Nothing to fear but fear itself’ - which outlines events in six EU nations, including France, Germany and the UK. During the UK launch, MPs and researchers discussed the biggest threats to the bloc - and top of the list was Marine Le Pen.

GETTY Marine Le Pen has caused nerves to fray across Europe over proposed France exit vote

Liberal Democrat Baroness Julie Smith of Newnham questioned whether the Union can survive the election of a National Front leader, after the rocky path created by Britain’s Brexit. She said: “I think the EU can survive Brexit - I am not sure it would survive an election of Marine Le Pen. “We will keep fighting but as a country and as a continent, we are in a really difficult position.” Stephen Kinnock MP, a staunch supporter of the EU, said Marine Le Pen’s possible election will be a turning point for the future of the EU. Despite suggestions Marine Le Pen will not be elected in the second round, Mr Kinnock reminded the panel predictions over politics have trend out to be a “mug’s game”. He said: “What happens in France is going to be critical. “In terms of addressing the question - I think making forecasts and predictions is a mug's game in politics.”

GETTY Marine Le Pen's rise in popularity has caused division across France

However, Mr Kinnock also claimed Brexit could be the “catalyst” for the survival of the Brussels ideology. He said: “It could well be Brexit that saves the European Union. “We have seen the EU deeply divided on the eurozone crisis, deeply divided over the refugee crisis - they are not divided on how to deal with Brexit and we are going to see a closing of ranks such as we have never seen before.” Bojan Pancevski, Europe Correspondent for The Sunday Times, said: “Gert Wilders in the Netherlands, and Marine Le Pen in France - these are huge issues. The Eurozone crisis, the Greek bailout and Brexit issues have brought to the fore, “intrinsic divisions” which “lay dormant”, the journalist said. Ms Le Pen is one of the nationalist politicians who wants to break up the EU. He added: “Now, when we talk about populists in Europe - they all will say that this is why Brexit happened and they love Brexit. “They would like to replicate Brexit in their own countries.”

DEMOS DEMOS poll shows attitude towards the European Union in Europe

DEMOS complied a 450-page dossier of research on the ‘fear’ within the European Union - which highlighted the current rise of populism across the bloc. The report said around 47 per cent of people are concerned with the future of the EU. It states: “There is a spectre haunting Europe: a culture of fear that is finding its form and asserting its growing influence in myriad ways. “Despite seeing the start of an economic recovery in 2016, the French are generally concerned about the next 12 months and think that the situation will get worse in Europe and at local and national levels. “French people think that the situation will get worse for the country. “Mistrust for the main political institutions remains dominant in the survey organised by the Institute Jacques Delors and Demos, since 84 per cent and 80 per cent of respondents do not trust the government or the French parliament respectively. “Mistrust in the European Parliament and the European Commission is also very high.”

RISE of Europe's far right Tue, March 14, 2017 Who's who of far-right politics in Europe as parties ride a wave of success on anti-immigration, nationalist and eurosceptic policies Play slideshow REUTERS 1 of 8 Geert Wilders wants to 'de-Islamicise' the Netherlands, hopes clashes between Turkish-Dutch protesters and the police, along with Ankara's accusations of Dutch 'fascism', will help bolster his chances of finishing first