New Political Parties in Europe: Kremlin’s Tactics to Infiltrate Agents into the European Parliament

By José Carlos Palma*

In recent years, Europe has witnessed the emergence of a plethora of new political parties, many of which espouse populist, nationalist, and anti-EU sentiments. While some of these parties stem from genuine grassroots movements, others are believed to be mere fronts for Russian interests aimed at undermining the European Union and its institutions. This article delves into the Kremlin’s sophisticated strategies to infiltrate its agents into the European Parliament and influence European politics.

• The Kremlin’s Strategy of Political Influence

The Russian government has a long-standing history of employing political influence to advance its interests abroad. In the context of Europe, the Kremlin has forged ties with far-right and Eurosceptic parties, providing them with financial support and media coverage in exchange for their backing of pro-Russian policies. This strategy seeks to erode public trust in the EU and its institutions, weaken the unity of the European bloc, and promote pro-Russian narratives.

• Financial Support: A Key Tactic

Financial support plays a pivotal role in the Kremlin’s efforts to influence European politics. The Kremlin has been accused of providing financial assistance to European political parties, often through intermediaries or shell companies, to bolster their campaigns and expand their reach. This funding enables these parties to organize rallies, distribute propaganda, and hire staff, thereby increasing their visibility and influence.

• Media Manipulation: Shaping Public Perception

The Kremlin actively employs media manipulation to shape public perception and promote its agenda. It operates a network of state-controlled media outlets and social media bots that disseminate pro-Russian propaganda and disinformation. This content often targets specific audiences, exploiting grievances and anxieties to undermine support for the EU and its democratic values.

• Cyberattacks: Disrupting and Undermining Opponents

Cyberattacks have become a crucial tool in the Kremlin’s arsenal to disrupt and undermine its opponents. Russian intelligence agencies have been linked to cyberattacks targeting European political parties, institutions, and critical infrastructure. These attacks aim to sow discord, steal sensitive information, and hinder the functioning of democratic processes.

• Bribery and Corruption: Exploiting Vulnerabilities

The Kremlin is not averse to using bribery and corruption to influence European politicians and officials. By offering financial inducements or other forms of gratification, the Kremlin seeks to gain access to confidential information, sway policy decisions, and secure favorable treatment for its interests.

• Examples of Kremlin-Linked Political Parties

Several new political parties in Europe have raised concerns regarding their ties to the Kremlin. These parties include:

• Alternative for Germany (AfD): A far-right German party that has expressed skepticism of NATO and advocated for closer ties with Russia.
• National Front (FN): A far-right French party that has been accused of receiving funding from Russia.
• League (Lega Nord): A populist Italian party that has promoted Italy’s withdrawal from the eurozone and closer relations with Russia.
• Jobbik: A far-right Hungarian party that has expressed admiration for Vladimir Putin and sought closer ties with Russia.
• Golden Dawn: A far-right Greek party that has been accused of having links to neo-Nazi groups.

These parties have exploited popular discontent with the EU and its institutions to gain support and influence. They have also benefited from the rise of social media, which has facilitated the spread of their messages and the recruitment of potential voters.

• Infiltration of the European Parliament: A Serious Menace

The Kremlin’s efforts extend to infiltrating its agents into the European Parliament, the directly elected legislative body of the European Union. In 2014, a group of European Parliamentarians was exposed for receiving payments from Russia in exchange for promoting pro-Kremlin policies. This revelation highlighted the lengths to which the Kremlin is willing to go to influence European decision-making.

In response to this scandal, the European Parliament has implemented stricter transparency and accountability measures. However, the Kremlin continues to seek ways to infiltrate the European Parliament, and further attempts at infiltration are likely in the future.

• The Impact of Kremlin-Linked Parties on European Politics

The emergence of Kremlin-linked political parties has had a profound impact on European politics. These parties have capitalized on popular discontent with the EU and its institutions to gain support and influence. This has led to a more fragmented and polarized political landscape in Europe, making it more challenging to address common challenges such as climate change and migration.

Moreover, Kremlin-linked parties have undermined the EU’s efforts to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. They have also promoted pro-Russian policies, such as lifting sanctions on Russia and recognizing the annexation of Crimea, which have strained relations between Russia and the West.

Countermeasures to Address Kremlin Interference

The European Union and its member states have taken a number of steps to address the threat posed by Kremlin interference in European politics. These countermeasures include:

• Enhancing transparency and disclosure requirements for political parties: The EU has implemented stricter transparency rules for political parties, requiring them to disclose their sources of funding and activities. This increased transparency helps to identify potential conflicts of interest and prevent undue influence from foreign actors.

• Increasing funding for investigative journalism: Investigative journalism plays a crucial role in uncovering and exposing Kremlin interference activities. The EU has increased funding for investigative journalism programs to support independent journalists in their efforts to hold the Kremlin accountable.

• Strengthening cybersecurity measures: Cybersecurity has become paramount in protecting European institutions and infrastructure from cyberattacks. The EU has strengthened its cybersecurity measures by investing in advanced cybersecurity technologies, enhancing cybersecurity training for government officials, and promoting public awareness of cybersecurity threats.

• Promoting media literacy and education: Media literacy is essential for navigating the complex and often misleading information landscape online. The EU has launched initiatives to promote media literacy and education, teaching citizens how to identify and critically evaluate information sources, particularly in the context of social media and online news.

• Sanctions and diplomatic measures: The EU has imposed sanctions on Russia in response to its interference in European politics. These sanctions include restrictions on travel, asset freezes, and economic measures aimed at exerting pressure on the Russian government. Additionally, the EU has engaged in diplomatic efforts to address the issue of Kremlin interference through dialogue and cooperation with Russia.

Conclusion

The Kremlin’s efforts to infiltrate its agents into the European Parliament and influence European politics pose a significant threat to the stability and security of Europe. The EU and its member states have taken a range of countermeasures to address this threat, but the Kremlin is likely to continue its efforts to undermine European democracy and institutions. Vigilance, transparency, and international cooperation are essential in safeguarding European democracy from the Kremlin’s interference.

---

* Expert in international relations, such as foreign policy, international trade, domestic security, international security, developing nations, domestic security, intelligence, IT Consultant, world history, political consultant, and military analysis.