Steve Bannon on Europe
TL;DR
Steve Bannon actively sought to unite and bolster far-right, Eurosceptic parties across Europe to fundamentally reshape its institutions.
Key Points
He initiated a Brussels-based organization called 'The Movement' to advise right-wing populist parties before the May 2019 European Parliamentary elections.
In 2018, he was reported to be focused on raising money for leaders like Marine Le Pen and Matteo Salvini for their European campaigns.
He met with leaders from the German Alternative for Germany (AfD), such as Alice Weidel, as part of his tour across Europe.
Summary
Steve Bannon positioned himself as a key international figure aiming to coordinate and energize right-wing populist parties across Europe for significant electoral gains. His primary declared goal was to see the European Union divided and reshaped, rather than strengthened, seeking to unite a significant bloc of members in the European Parliament to further this agenda. This effort manifested in the establishment of a Brussels-based organization, 'The Movement,' intended to serve as a clearing house of ideas, strategies, and electoral know-how for allied nationalist and Eurosceptic groups. He traveled widely, engaging with leaders and presenting his views to party conventions, framing his mission as a global movement for nationalists.
His activities involved attempting to secure funding from various sources, including through exchanges with figures like Jeffrey Epstein, for key political allies ahead of European parliamentary elections. The implication of his work was to use the electoral success of these national parties to fracture the supranational structure of the EU from within. While the ultimate success of his formal organization was debated, his ability to connect with and advise major figures in the European far-right, such as those in the Italian League and the German AfD, demonstrated an active and sustained focus on influencing European political dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Steve Bannon's main objective concerning Europe was to unite disparate right-wing and Eurosceptic political parties into a coherent force. He aimed to use this coalition to fundamentally reshape the existing supranational institutions of the European Union.
The Movement was a political organization established by Steve Bannon in Brussels with the declared goal of coordinating and advising populist right-wing parties. It was intended to function as a resource for sharing electoral strategies and ideas ahead of European elections.
Yes, Steve Bannon cultivated relationships with various figures, including leaders of the Italian League and France's National Rally. He engaged directly with these politicians as part of his efforts to build a pan-European populist network.
Sources6
Epstein files shed more light on Steve Bannon's efforts to influence European politics
The Far Right in Europe: How promising is Steve Bannon's European organization 'The Movement'?
Steve Bannon meets AfD's Alice Weidel during European far-right roadshow
Steve Bannon sets sights on Europe with planned new political project
Steve Bannon: The European Adventure
Trump’s Steve Bannon: Destroy the EU
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.