Abstract
The European Union is typically conceived of a second-order phenomenon in domestic politics; ‘European’ referenda, elections, etc are actually a function of domestic/national issues. However, in the case of anti-EU groups it is apparent that they are formed primarily as a direct result of European events. This paper provides a comprehensive taxonomy of proximate factors in such groups’ mobilisation, using the otherwise contrasting examples of France and the UK. Consideration is taken of non-party groups, intra-party factions and parties, in order to ensure a complete overview. In both countries, almost all groups either form or become anti-EU in nature in response to European events. The reasons for this are discussed and explained, as are the limitations of this view of the EU as first-order politics