US Funds European Far-Right Groups in 'Direct Attack on EU'

US Government Funding Far-Right European Organizations

The United States government is reportedly planning to financially support radical right-wing think tanks and organizations across Europe, according to a Financial Times report. This strategic move represents what experts describe as a 'direct attack' on the European Union's political establishment and regulatory framework.

Strategic Shift in US Foreign Policy

Christopher Houtkamp, senior researcher at the Clingendael Institute's Security Department, confirms the credibility of these reports. 'The MAGA movement is also ideologically hostile toward the EU,' Houtkamp states, referring to the 'Make America Great Again' political movement associated with former President Donald Trump. He notes that this represents a significant shift from previous US administrations that typically supported centrist political parties in Europe.

The researcher explains that attacks on Europe have now been codified in the White House's National Security Strategy, with the explicit goal of 'drastically' influencing European politics. 'The Americans have a very clear ideological reason to be against the European Union and they also have a very well-filled treasury to actually achieve that support, unlike many other countries that also interfere in our society,' Houtkamp adds.

Big Tech Interests Driving Policy

According to Houtkamp, Washington aims to 'weaken and divide the European Union' to achieve its ideological and material objectives. One of the primary goals is to pave the way for American Big Tech companies to gain stronger positions in Europe. 'An important obstacle in this regard is the European Union with its digital regulation in the Digital Services Act,' he explains.

The Digital Services Act (DSA), which fully came into force in February 2024, represents landmark EU legislation establishing comprehensive rules for digital services operating in the European Union. The regulation creates a safer digital space by protecting fundamental rights and addressing illegal content, with special obligations for very large online platforms.

Targeting Specific Political Parties

The US is reportedly seeking political partners in Europe, including Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) and France's Rassemblement National. However, Houtkamp notes an interesting dynamic: 'You see interestingly enough that not all of these parties accept this support with much pleasure.'

Long-term research from the Clingendael Institute shows that populations consistently reject foreign interference from any country. 'If you accept this support from Washington, then you also run a great risk that your organization or your party becomes very unpopular with the population,' Houtkamp warns.

Potential Boomerang Effect

The researcher points to the unclear electoral gains of the AfD and its leader Alice Weidel as an example of how foreign interference can backfire. 'It is unclear how great the electoral victory of AfD and Alice Weidel would have been when Elon Musk did not interfere so explicitly with those elections.'

This development comes as the AfD is becoming increasingly openly extremist, with officials using Nazi slogans and calling themselves the 'friendly face of National Socialism,' according to DW reports. The party could seize regional power in state elections in 2026, particularly in eastern German states where it has become the strongest political force.

Broader Implications for European Security

Houtkamp describes this as a potentially 'very large risk' for the European Union. The funding initiative represents a significant shift in how the US engages with European civil society and political discourse, potentially supporting groups that promote nationalist and populist agendas across the continent.

This move could have profound implications for transatlantic relations and European political dynamics, as it involves direct US government support for ideologically aligned organizations operating within European countries. The development raises concerns about foreign influence in European politics and the potential impact on upcoming digital legislation debates within the European Union.

Sources

Financial Times report on US funding of European think tanks

EU Digital Services Act regulation

DW report on AfD political rise

Clingendael Institute research on transatlantic relations