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The report, commissioned by the ex-Prime Minister, points to the rise of anti-EU parties in Italy, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic. Mr Blair's Institute for Global Change said populism could become the "new normal" in Europe and "transform public policy in radical ways". Research found the share of the vote taken by populist parties has almost trebled since 2000, rising from 8.5 percent to 24.1 percent.

Over the same period, the number of European countries with populist parties participating in government has doubled from seven to 14. The report explained: "In many countries, the trend line suggests that populists will continue to gain strength in the next round of elections. "Populists could drive European politics into a more nationalist and protectionist direction.

GETTY Tony Blair's think-tank said populist parties could become the 'new normal' in Europe

Blair and Juncker: Together through the years Thu, August 31, 2017 Former Prime Minister, Tony Blair and President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker have always shared a friendly relationship over the years. Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 9 European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker (L) greets Former British prime minister Tony Blair upon his arrival for a meeting at the European Commission in Brussels

"The basic norms and institutions of liberal democracy would remain intact. "But governments would move decisively towards restricting net migration flows; make access to some social benefits conditional on citizenship status; and undermine minority rights in key respects." It warned that many of these parties support the "weakening or abolition of international institutions like the European Union".

GETTY The Insitute for Global Change warned that populists could 'transform public policy'

In Italy, the institute's dossier says, the Eurosceptic Five Star Movement is likely to "perform very well in the March 2018 elections". The party, which has hinted at holding a referendum on Italy's Eurozone membership, is soaring in popularity according to opinion polls. The document also admits Hungary and Poland's governments, which have both been locked in furious disputes with the EU, "are as popular as ever". Hungary has "descended into quasi-authoritarianism" in recent years, it says, while Poland "is already following in these footsteps".

GETTY The Five Star Movement is soaring in opinion polls ahead of the Italian election