10 key facts addressing this growing type of terrorism in Europe.
1. Europe: The number of individuals arrested in relation to Right-Wing extremism (RWE) offences almost doubled in 2017 (11 in 2015; 12 in 2016; 20 in 2017). The vast majority (15) were reported by France.
2. There is no EU Member State that is not affected in some way by the phenomenon of Right-Wing Extremism. On the other hand, Right-Wing Extremism has less media coverage than other types of terrorism.
3. The Right-Wing Extremism scene is fragmented and manifests itself in a variety of forms: National Socialist-oriented, neo-Nazi groups...
4. Right-Wing Extremism groups adopt a variety of ideologies, ranging from the condemnation of the political establishment and the membership of international organisations (e.g. NATO and the EU), to the rejection of asylum policies, migrants and individuals and groups associated with a different racial, ethnic religious (e.g. Jews and Muslims) or political background (targeting anarchist groups).
5. Other Right-Wing Extremism groups try to present themselves in a more socially acceptable way, using some legally constituted political parties to enter elements in their agendas.
6. Right-Wing Extremism groups are often motivated by fear of Muslim domination and the introduction of Islamic law (shari’a). RWE groups will continue to target predominantly Muslim areas, provoking racial hatred and harassment. Attacking or avoiding the expansion of Muslim places of worship, and promoting media coverage of sex offences by refugees and (jihadist).
7. Some of their actions include demonstrations against temporary accommodation centres for asylum seekers and refugees and hate speeches against migrants. Some groups such as National Action encourages its member to prepare for a “race war” in the UK.
8. Activities sometimes included training in self-defence, shooting and other combat skills. Members also sought to join the army or develop links with serving personnel to give them the opportunity of gaining military training and enhance their individual capability.
9. Some links have been found in Europe between Right-Wing Extremism groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG). The groups concerned are also associated with arms and drug (steroids) trafficking.
10. Most important Right-Wing Extremism groups in Europe:
Germany: Identitäre Bewegung Deutschland (IBD) (Identitarian Movement Germany). IBD has branches in other EU countries.
UK: National Action, Scottish Dawn, NS131. National Action encourages its member to prepare for a “race war” in the UK.
Czech Republic: Generace Identity (Generation of Identity) movement and the Pro-Vlast movement.
Slovakia: Slovenskí Branci.
Austria: (Identitäre Bewegung Österreich, Identitarian Movement Austria.
Netherlands: Identitair Verzet (Identitarian Resistance), anti Islamist ideas.
Belgium: Soldiers of Odin, La Meute Belgique (Belgian Pack), with an anti-Islam agenda,
Portugal: Blood & Honour organisation.
Talking About Terrorism