Guy Verhofstadt says, for years he has been watching how far-right members of the European Parliament (MEPs) vote against any resolution that aims to hurt Russia or condemn any nefarious activities Russian operatives conduct across Europe. Prominent far-right populists like Nigel Farage, Marine Le Pen, Geert Wilders, Viktor Orban, Matteo Salvini, and others have basically formed a Russian “fifth column” within the EU, that seeks to undermine the bloc and promotes their own ends.

The author urges European voters to prevent far-right populists from winning big in this week’s European Parliament elections, because it would enable them to continue their “pro-Kremlin advocacy.” Worse, as a force to be reckoned with, they will “do everything they can to undercut Europe’s ability to respond to common challenges, thereby dragging the entire continent backward.” Paralysed, the EU would not be able to make meaningful decisions.

It is widely known that Moscow has been handing cash to Le Pen, Salvini and other far-right thugs in order to exploit popular dissent against the EU. In financial trouble, many had borrowed big sums from Putin, who wants to undermine the EU, promote Russian interests, consolidate ties between Moscow and future possible pro-Kremlin leaders, and to ensure the EU remains heavily dependent on Russian gas.

Putin’s tactic is nothing new. In the Soviet era the KGB used to sponsor front organisations in the West including pro-Moscow communist parties. The Kremlin did not invent Europe’s far-right parties. But in a similar way Moscow is now lending them financial and political support, encouraging the rise of European neo-fascism. What is cynical about it, is that every year Putin commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany with big fanfare.

Far right populists and the Kremlin are united by their hostility to the EU. Evidence of their “allegiance” and debts to the Kremlin has been “piling up.” Since becoming president for the third time in 2012, Putin has been busy promoting his vision for a rival EU. His Eurasian Union is an alternative political and economic bloc meant to include now-independent Soviet republics, with Moscow rather than Brussels as the dominant pole.

Putin had expected to bring Ukraine into his Eurasian Union. The Maidan protests in 2014 overthrew his stooge, and triggered the annexation of Crimea and aggression in Eastern Ukraine. In retaliation sanctions were imposed against Russia, which he deeply resents. As a result he is hell-bent on punishing the EU for sanctions and political isolation, by meddling in elections that enable nationalists to rock the boat in domestic politics – either as junior partners in coalition governments or opposition forces.

The author points out the sinister development in recent years, saying “in the countries where Putin’s apostles have had the most success, the electorates are more polarized than ever.” Protests staged by the Yellow Vest Movement in France seeks to topple Emmanuel Macron. Since the Brexit referendum, Britain’s “traditional party system has broken down, and the country has entered a full-blown culture war that shows no sign of abating. It has lost its seat at the European table, and become a shell of its former self.”

In order to avoid Britain’s “path of impotent rage and national self-destruction.” European voters need to take back control, “have pride” in the European project and defend it, not letting Putin decide Europe’s future. With the Kremlin “now fully engaged in swinging the European Parliament election toward its chosen candidates, it's up to Europe's voters push back.” Let us hope that mainstream parties retain control over the European Parliament.