Challenging times for the EU

Sir, - The resignation of Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, following that nation’s referendum on the constitution caps off what has proven a challenging year for the European Union (EU), which included the UK voting to leave.

These anti-establishment uprisings might not end there as several European countries go to the polls over the next year.

In March the Dutch hold their parliamentary elections, with the antiIslamic Freedom Party, led by Geert Wilders, standing on a pledge to “de-Islamify” the Netherlands and hold a Nexit vote.

His party is running neck-and-neck with Mark Rutte’s Liberal Party.

In May the French go to the polls, with the presidential race seen as being between the far right National Front, under Marine Le Pen, running on an anti-EU, anti-immigration ticket, and the Republic candidate, Francois Fillon.

However, against this background there are some positives for Europhiles.

The Austrians have just voted for a new president, with Alexander Van der Bellen of the Greens defeating Norbert Hofer of the anti-immigration Freedom Party.

In September the Germans cast their votes, with the backdrop of the immigration controversy.

The far-right antiimmigration, Alternative for Germany party is expected to make gains, but Mrs Merkel is expected to win a fourth term if she decides to run again. Next year could prove a pivotal year for the EU, but it is no stranger to such challenges and my prediction is that it will emerge the stronger for it. Alex Orr. Flat 2, 77 Leamington Tce, Edinburgh.