DISINFO: Neo-Nazism on the rise in Europe
SUMMARY
Neo-Nazism is on the rise in Europe, which understandably frightens the EU’s own citizens. The fight against such a phenomena should not be a one-off event but a continuous effort at all levels. Many world leaders are planning to attend the upcoming 9 May celebrations in Moscow, while EU leaders, invited by Ukraine’s government to take part in the "alternative celebrations" in Kyiv, are not particularly eager to go.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets accusing the EU of Nazism. This claim was made in the context of the Ukrainian government’s decision to invite top EU leaders to visit Kyiv on 9 May 2025, the same day that Moscow plans to host a military parade on the occasion of Victory Day in the Second World War. See our articles ‘Modern Europe is reincarnated Nazism’ and Toward the 9 May – the myth of Moscow as a host for peace celebrations.
The idea that Neo-Nazism is “on the rise” in Europe is a distortion of reality. It ignores the strong institutional, legal, and societal safeguards in place across the EU and misrepresents the scale of extremist activity.
According to the European Commission’s 2024 report on violent extremism, radicalisation into violent far-right ideologies—including Neo-Nazism—remains limited to small, monitored groups.
Surveys by Eurobarometer and other EU institutions consistently show that the vast majority of Europeans support democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. According to the July 2024 Eurobarometer survey:
-89% say it is important that all EU countries respect democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights.
-86% support the freedom of media and civil society across the EU.
The Ukrainian government’s invitation of top European officials, including future German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, to arrive in Kyiv on 9 May 2025 is intended as a demonstration of diplomatic unity in contrast to Putin’s annual military parade in Moscow. The fact that EU leaders may visit Kyiv instead of Moscow does not mean that the EU is a Nazi political entity. The EU provides military and financial support to Ukraine in repelling Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression.
The European Union was created in the aftermath of the Second World War, and European integration has been the foundation of peace and stability on the European continent for over 70 years. The founding fathers of the European Union actively fought against Nazi Germany, with many losing their lives to free Europe from the horrors of Nazism. The EU consistently condemns Nazism and all forms of totalitarianism.
Read similar disinformation cases claiming that The European Union is openly seeking to revive Nazism, that EU banning of Victory Day participation shows its fascist mentality, and that The falsification of history has become official EU policy and Nazism is spreading across Europe.