Shifting Alliances: The Rise of Pro-Kremlin Sentiment in the European Parliament

In late September 2023, Nathan Gill, a former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from the Reform UK party, pleaded guilty to accepting bribes from Russian intermediary Oleg Voloshyn. This event highlights a broader trend within the European Parliament, where pro-Kremlin sentiment appears to be gaining traction, particularly among far-right and far-left factions.

EU Observer

The European Parliament, elected in June 2024, has seen a significant shift to the right, with conservative and nationalist parties forming new groups such as Patriots for Europe (PfE) and Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN). This new assembly has demonstrated a marked increase in opposition to resolutions condemning Russia, with approximately 84 MEPs voting against such motions and an additional 62 abstaining. This contrasts sharply with the previous parliament, where around 40 MEPs opposed similar resolutions.

EU Observer

Prominent parties contributing to this pro-Kremlin sentiment include France's Rassemblement National (RN), Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD), Hungary's Fidesz, and Italy's Five Star Movement. These parties have shown a disciplined voting pattern against resolutions supporting Ukraine or condemning Moscow. For instance, RN's share of pro-Kremlin votes increased from 57% to 67% in the new parliament, while AfD's pro-Kremlin voting share has climbed back to nearly 90%.

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Critics of this trend argue that the growing influence of pro-Kremlin MEPs undermines the European Parliament's stance on human rights and international law. The presence of figures like Slovakia's Luboš Blaha, who has a history of advocating for closer ties with Moscow, raises concerns about the integrity of European democratic values. Additionally, the investigation into Tatjana Ždanoka, a prominent opponent of pro-Ukraine resolutions, underscores the potential for corruption and foreign influence within the parliament.

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In response to the evolving political landscape, various political leaders have expressed their concerns. Marine Le Pen of RN has attempted to distance her party from the Kremlin amid accusations of financial ties, yet the party's recent voting patterns suggest a reversion to pro-Kremlin positions. Similarly, Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party has shifted closer to Moscow, reflecting a broader trend among European nationalists.

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While the overall trend indicates a rise in pro-Kremlin sentiment, discrepancies exist regarding the extent of this influence. Some sources suggest that mainstream parties still maintain control over most national governments and support for Ukraine, while others highlight the increasing power of radical factions within the European Parliament.

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The growing number of pro-Kremlin MEPs presents new challenges for the European Parliament's foreign policy. As these factions gain influence, the potential for a shift in the EU's stance towards Russia and Ukraine becomes a pressing concern. The implications of Nathan Gill's case and the ongoing investigations into other MEPs will likely shape the future dynamics within the parliament and its approach to international relations.

EU Observer