Putin’s Trojan Horses

Russian influence on the European radical scene
Roundtable organised by the Czech Centre Budapest and Political Capital.

Language: English

Participants:

• András Deák, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of World Economics
• Petr Kolář, former Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States and Russia
• Péter Krekó, Director, Political Capital Institute
• Andrej Nosko, Researcher of Energy Policy and Security
• Moderated by János Széky, Journalist, Élet és Irodalom

Discussion Outline:
Following the recent economic turmoil and the crisis of confidence within the European Union, far-right parties have gained considerable support in many EU member states. Due to a peculiar combination of EUhostility, illiberal political orientation and social conservatism, this otherwise heterogeneous political block became an attractive partner for the Putin government. The sympathies appear to be mutual: most of these radical forces have demonstrated a friendly attitude towards the Kremlin’s aspirations during the Ukrainecrisis. Interestingly, some of the segments of these forces epitomize what Putin’s Russia claims to fight in Ukraine – radical nationalism. This roundtable will discuss the spread of pro-Russian policies on the European far right in the broader concept of Eurasianism, and how Europe can react to it.

Questions to be discussed at the meeting:

• What are the possible European reactions in the light of the recent conflict in Ukraine?
• What are the informal channels of Russian influence in Europe?
• What are the main challenges for current European Parliament and EU institutions?
• Can the sanctions work as a game-changer?
  

Please kindly reply to this invitation at the following address: konferencia@politicalcapital.hu before 14th October, 2014. The names of invited guests will be checked upon arrival on the confirmation list, and unconfirmed guests will not be able to enter the premises of the building in which the conference is to be held.