Playing the international card: Do opposition parties demand EU action against democratic backsliding?

Do opposition parties demand that the European Union (EU) act against democratic backsliding in their country? Such demands could help opposition parties halt backsliding but also expose them to domestic backlash. We outline various strategies—from avoiding to demanding EU involvement—used by opposition parties in European-level debates on democratic backsliding. We suggest that the severity of backsliding and party ideology influence the choice of strategy among different opposition parties. Analysis of Polish MEP speeches show as backsliding persists, EU involvement becomes more prominent. Eurosceptic anti-system parties reject any EU involvement and sometimes support the incumbent. Mainstream parties vary; progressive and smaller parties advocate EU intervention, while centrists and the lead opposition party focus on domestic issues or remain silent. This paper contributes to the literature on opposition behaviour in democratic backsliding, highlighting opposition parties' stances on external intervention and the diverse tactics at the international level.