Though intentionally progressive and inclusive, EU-derived rights, particularly those stemming from the principles of free movement, non-discrimination, and social rights, may have provoked rejection reactions or been exploited to fuel anti-European feelings. This paper explores how several populist and Eurosceptic movements instrumentalised EU rights to feed anti-European rhetoric, calling into question the social and legal cohesion of the European project. For several years, far-right and populist parties have been gaining ground in the EU Member States and within the European institutions, threatening the achievements of European integration based on the rule of law. The Brexit referendum campaign led by the UK Independence Party (UKIP) illustrates how EU-derived rights can fuel populist and nationalist narratives. While UKIP influenced the referendum result, its approach to EU citizens' social rights access also spread to other far-right populist parties in EU member states who adopted the strategies used by UKIP in their national contexts, exploiting fears about immigration, national sovereignty and cultural identity to mobilise support against the EU. In Germany, for example, the far-right political party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has used the idea that intra-European migrants took advantage of the German welfare system. This argument has often been aimed at Romanian or Bulgarian workers. These criticisms have had several consequences: the increased division between the Member States and delegitimisation of the European institutions, particularly regarding managing migration and sovereignty.

This has highlighted the EU's vulnerabilities in the face of ideological discourse. This paper investigates how UKIP and other EU populist far-right movements have mobilised this rhetoric against EU-derived rights and how the EU responds to these challenges. If the EU wishes to protect its integration project, it must indeed raise awareness of these rights, respond to criticism, and find ways of countering populist rhetoric without compromising its fundamental principles.

The Icelandic space sector, while nascent, holds significant potential within the global space ecosystem. This research comprehensively analyses Iceland's emerging role in space activities, emphasising its unique geographic, environmental, and policy-based advantages. By examining existing infrastructure, policy frameworks, and international collaborations, this study identifies the challenges and opportunities for Iceland to carve out a niche in the global space industry. Key findings highlight Iceland's strategic location for polar satellite tracking, its pristine environment for astrobiological research, and its geothermal energy resources as critical enablers for sustainable space-related projects. Furthermore, the paper explores the regulatory and institutional gaps in Iceland's space policy and offers recommendations for fostering innovation and attracting international partnerships. Through a framework analysis, this study evaluates Iceland's alignment with global trends in space exploration and its potential to contribute to fields such as Earth observation, climate monitoring, and space technology testing. This work underscores the need for strategic investments and policy adaptations to ensure Iceland's active participation in the rapidly evolving space economy.