CEP-GLOBSEC Webinar: Mapping of violent extremist groups – Who is who in Bulgaria and Hungary

In the framework of the Counter-Extremism Project (CEP), GLOBSEC organised on April 14 the first of two webinars to discuss the most recent findings of the research on combating and financing of violent extremism within Bulgaria and Hungary.

Violent Right-wing extremist groups in the Central European states have been noticeably present in the countries of Central Europe for at least the last twenty years. Pandemic as well as the War in Ukraine has added more outlets to the ‘alternative’ narrative as some right – wing movements choose to label themselves. In addition, transformation of some of these movements into full-fledged political parties has led to some electoral successes, but more importantly messaging of these parties has now become mainstream even among more traditional political parties.

The discussion provided with an insightful overview of all the aspects of this complex issue in Hungary and Bulgaria, and it highlighted analogies and differences between the two countries. Since neighboring countries tend to copy each other’s modes and themes when they prove to be successful, there are some common traits. Nevertheless, each has its own national and cultural values and therefore anti-immigration, anti-Muslim, anti-EU and anti-Roma themes have been broadened to also include anti-vax, anti-LBTQ and anti-NATO attitudes in different capacities.