Germany’s domestic intelligence service on Thursday classified the anti-Muslim group Generation Identity as a Right-wing extremist group, marking the most significant step yet taken by a European state against the organisation.

After observing the group’s workings for three years, the BfV intelligence agency has concluded that the Identitarians are extremists who are attempting to undermine Germany’s democratic order.

The move will generate new powers for the BfV to monitor the organisation, including the ability to intercept telephone communications.

A spokeswoman for the BfV emphasised though that the group is not considered violent and that the spy agency could only take steps “proportionate” to the risk posed.

Established in France at the start of the century, The Identitarians are often called “fascist hipsters” due to the fact the leadership is young, well groomed and social-media savvy.