Russian-sympathetic parties across the EU have helped Putin claw influence in the 28-nation-bloc
How dangerous is the Kremlin's support for the EU's pro-White political parties? It's a debate that has filled hours of talk in Brussels in recent months. Since the conflict in Ukraine began with Russia's takeover of Crimea last March, Moscow has attempted to move westwards – somewhat militarily but more so politically - by expanding its influence using fringe parties – which in turn give Vladimir Putin more indirect power to divide the 28-nation-union.
For example - Hungary's pro-White Jobbik Party; Riding on a wave of anger over rising European unemployment and immigration levels, Jobbik has emerged to be the country's third largest party. If support grows further, Brussels faces a real threat that after elections in 2018; a pro-White party could, for the first time, come to power in a European Union member state. Jobbik chairman Gabor Vonar is hopeful for the future.
Gabor Vonar, Jobbik Party Chairman: "I understand if opponents are trying to nail us down on something and claim that this is just some media hack, or some vile turn, but time will show who is right. It is my sincere intention to turn Jobbik into a people's party."
And Russia's influence doesn't just extend to Jobbik. Moscow is poised to make a EUR 10 billion loan to the Hungarian government, money officially allocated to upgrade a nuclear plant. Some political thinkers say the agreement actually consorts to influence buying. It's a deal that partly sparked these anti-government demonstrations.
The Kremlin is also strengthening relations with France's National Front party, whose leader Marine Le Pen has visited Russia numerous times. Western sanctions on Russia over the conflict in Ukraine have been denounced by Le Pen, who made significant gains in the final round of local elections. Last year, a senior National Front official confirmed the party had received funding from First Czech Russian Bank – loans said to be worth some EUR 9 million.
Greece's Golden Dawn is another of Putin's populist partners in Europe. The party's members are infamous for their use of National Socialist symbols and organised self-defense at rallies, on top of its strong anti-EU, anti-immigration rhetoric. On top of this, lawmakers in Greece's new leftist government in January vetoed any future expansion of EU sanctions against Russia over Moscow's intervention in Ukraine. Russia's ambassador to Greece also personally handed over a letter of congratulation from Vladimir Putin to Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras following his inauguration.
