The Potential Threat: How Rising Support for Right-Wing Populists in Europe Raises Security Concerns

Right-wing populists are poised to make significant gains in the upcoming elections for the European Parliament. This has European officials worried about the potential impact on the 27-nation bloc's vulnerability to adversarial states.

Polling data indicates that far-right Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) may have sufficient seats to collectively obstruct the passage of European Union legislation. This could present a major challenge for the union as a whole.

Officials are now worried about the potential impact on the EU's security, as significant changes in Brussels and within the bloc may influence powerful individuals. The recent arrest of a German national, who was working as an aide to a far-right MEP and suspected of spying for China, has raised concerns. There is fear that an increase in Euroskeptic and anti-establishment figures, who have been on the outskirts of mainstream politics, could make the EU vulnerable to targeting by adversarial states.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is seeking re-election this summer.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is seeking re-election this summer.

Yiannis Kourtoglou/Reuters

“Elected populists are uniquely attractive to malign actors for two reasons,” said James Shires, co-director of the European Cyber Conflict Research Initiative.

Firstly, they are seen as anti-establishment individuals who have a lack of trust in the institutions they are a part of. It is challenging to transition from believing in a conspiracy against the establishment to collaborating with these same institutions to address security threats.

Moreover, many of these individuals demonstrate a natural alignment with countries such as China or Russia. They share certain beliefs with these nations and are willing to promote their views, sometimes even spreading misinformation on their behalf.

While the presence of hostile actors influencing politicians is not a new phenomenon, the rise of populists in institutions like the European Parliament at this specific moment is especially worrisome.

European security officials point out that smaller, newer parties lack experience in collaborating with security services and may not prioritize vetting their own candidates or staffers.

The European Parliament does not have a dedicated unit for screening parliamentarians. Instead, it relies on the 27 EU member states that send MEPs to Brussels and Strasbourg.

A senior source from the European Parliament shared with CNN that the process of becoming a member in some countries can take up to six months, while in others it may extend to two years. Due to limited central oversight and the exclusion of security services from certain EU treaties, countries are not required to share sensitive information with the Parliament. Although criminal record checks can be conducted, it is surprising to note that most spies do not have active criminal records.

What kind of harm can an MEP cause once they are elected to the European Parliament? There are various ways for disruptions to occur within the system, but two specific possibilities are worth noting.

Populism is nothing new in Brussels. Britain's Nigel Farage used his seat in the European Parliament to promote Brexit.

Populism is nothing new in Brussels. Britain's Nigel Farage used his seat in the European Parliament to promote Brexit.

MEPs have the opportunity to give speeches in parliament that are recorded, edited, and shared on social media. Some British former MEPs took advantage of this from 2010 to 2016 to promote Euroskepticism in the UK. This contributed to Britain's eventual exit from the EU.

MEPs have the freedom to spread misinformation or disinformation that supports states hostile to the EU. They can criticize Europe's backing of Ukraine, oppose equal marriage and climate change, all to weaken Western ideals and create division. Whether intentional or not, if it benefits a hostile state, it benefits a hostile state.

This poses a challenge for the EU because, unless an MEP is receiving direct payment from a foreign state to advocate and deceive on its behalf, it is within legal boundaries.

It is acceptable to have a preference for leaders like Putin or Xi, as everyone is entitled to their own opinion. However, it becomes problematic if individuals collaborate with foreign powers to further their own interests, according to a source from the EU. Otherwise, it is perfectly fine for them to voice their views in Parliament, as it is a democratic right.

Another way that an MEP or their staff could harm the EU in favor of a hostile state is through illicit activities. This includes leaking confidential information, participating in cyberattacks, stealing and passing on documents to foreign entities - essentially engaging in traditional espionage.

Brussels, the hub for 27 member states with embassies, institutions, elected officials, and staff, is a place where sensitive information is constantly circulating. Much of this information ends up being leaked. Valuable information ranging from future EU plans to personal details could be accessed by those looking to harm the EU. A senior EU diplomat expressed concern, especially now that Europe is ramping up security and defense efforts in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Brussels is striving to enhance its diplomatic reputation and as a result, faces growing security challenges from international competitors. The responsibility of preventing harm to Brussels falls on the EU and its member states. Neglecting this duty could jeopardize Brussels' aspirations for greater global influence.

Editor's P/S:

The rise of right-wing populists poses a significant threat to the European Union's security. These individuals, who often have ties to adversarial states like China and Russia