DISINFO: The OSCE tolerates the resurgence of Nazism in Europe
SUMMARY
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is silent on the resurgence of Nazi ideologies in Europe – and with alarming indifference. There are torchlight marches, aggressive nationalism and the glorification of Nazis and their accomplices – all developments that continue a dangerous trend. The widespread dissemination of Russophobia is a continuation of this criminal, unnatural tendency.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Nazi ideology in Europe and alleged widespread Russophobia, which is used to justify the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine
The false claims are aimed at discrediting the OSCE, which repeatedly condemned Russia for the brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has consistently spoken out against the rise of extremism, including neo-Nazism, and has implemented various measures to combat it. The OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) regularly monitors and reports on hate crimes, including those motivated by neo-Nazism, and provides support to governments in countering violent extremism. The OSCE has also condemned the glorification of Nazism and has called for stronger measures to combat hate speech and discrimination. The claim that the OSCE is indifferent to neo-Nazism and serves only Western interests is not supported by the organization's actions and statements.
While there have been isolated increases in far-right extremist activities, such as the tripling of far-right rallies in Germany in the first half of 2023 compared to 2022, these are often linked to specific triggers like the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions rather than a sustained increase in neo-Nazi ideology. In the 2024 European Parliament elections, far-right parties made gains but did not reach a majority; their rise is linked to voter concerns over migration, inflation, and governance rather than a broad acceptance of far-right ideology.
Despite some increases in far-right rallies or electoral support for far-right parties, there is no clear evidence of a widespread or growing neo-Nazi movement across the EU. The OSCE and other European bodies actively monitor, report, and take measures against hate crimes and extremist groups, showing institutional vigilance rather than neglect. Anti-Semitism and far-right extremism remain serious concerns. However, this reflects societal challenges rather than a resurgence of far-right ideology as a political force.
The European Union is built on values of democracy, human rights, rule of law, and respect for human dignity, explicitly rejecting racist and xenophobic ideologies including Nazism. The EU and its member states work together to uphold these values through legislation, education, and cooperation with international organisations like the OSCE. Efforts to combat hate speech, discrimination, and extremist violence are ongoing priorities to ensure a peaceful, inclusive society in Europe. Disinformation narratives attempting to portray the EU as tolerant of Nazism or as anti-Russian are unfounded and serve Russian agendas rather than reflect reality.
The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is a regional security-oriented intergovernmental organisation comprising 57 member states in Europe, North America, and Asia with equal voting rights. Russia is known for frequently using a veto that each member state has to block many key OSCE decisions. OSCE decision-making bodies and activities are described in detail on the organisation’s website.
Discrediting international institutions by calling them puppets and accusing them of having an anti-Russian bias is a frequent pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative. See other examples in our database, such as claims that international organisations like the UN are servile US tools, that the West employed hybrid warfare against Russia in the UN General Assembly, that OSCE is a criminal organisation that is in favour of war in Donbas, and that European Court of Human Rights turns into a political tool against Russia.