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The future of the Brussels club tinkers on the edge as the election of anti-Islam Norbert Hofer and a ‘No’ vote in Italy’s constitutional referendum threatens to signal a rise towards far-right extremism in Europe. Terrified, former EU agricultural Commissioner Franz Fischler said he would not talk about the end. He insisted: ”I do not believe that both elections are directly the end of the EU. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF NORBERT HOFER WINS THE ELECTION?

GETTY The EU is tinkering on the edge ahead of Italy's referendum and the Austrian elections

GETTY Brexit has sparked Eurosceptism across the continent

I refuse to speak of an end of the EU Ulrike Lunacek , vice-president of the European Parliament,

"But both possible worst cases are grist for the mills of the populists and could further weaken Europe." Instead, Mr Fischer called for the EU to fight against the rise of right-wing populism. Italian premier Matteo Renzi has promised to resign if he loses this weekend’s referendum, which threatens to shake the financial foundations of Italy and push contagion to other nations in the crumbling bloc. The 41-year-old is proposing sweeping constitutional reforms that would reduce the number of MPs and speed up the political process. However, if his proposals are defeated, opposition parties who are determined to push forward a breakaway from Brussels, and with Brexit increasing anti-EU sentiment across the continent, they will prepare for a fight to topple the Union. Mr Renzi’s departure could make way for eurosceptic party the Five Star Movement, founded by comedian Beppe Grillo.

What countries are in the EU? Wed, September 14, 2016 In the wake of Brexit, we look at the 28 member states that are in the European Union. Play slideshow Getty 1 of 29 Countries that are in the European Union

GETTY Ulrike Lunacek has refused to speak about the end of the EU

Meanwhile, if Norbert Hofer becomes the EU’s first far-right head of state it will signal an unprecedented shift toward right-wing extremism across the continent. Mr Fischer said: “My recommendation to the EU would be to not repeat this nonsense and to react calmly should Norbert Hofer win. “I believe sanctions or punishment are counterproductive. Last time it was already seen as meddling from the outside and has only strengthened the right-wing populists. “Now the time has come to discuss a greater European cohesion in the fight against right-wing populism, not to threaten individual states. " The Freedom Party (FPÖ) of Austria leader, Mr Hofer narrowly lost to his Greens-backed rival Alexander Van der Bellen in Austria’s knife-edge presidential election in May. But the election result was later annulled due to sloppy vote counting and Mr Hofer is now seen as the favourite to win the re-run on Sunday. Mr Fischer went on: "If we are unable to generate economic growth in Europe and reduce youth unemployment, especially in the South, Europe will be less and less credible."

GETTY Norbert Hofer could win the Austrian presidential election on Sunday