This publication is a part of a research project focused on the transnational nature of right-wing/far-right extremism in Europe – specifically discussing how “paramilitarism meets extremism.” This report analyses this topic further, focusing on the attraction the Central and Eastern European region and wider Eastern Europe presents for Western extremists vis-à-vis training, especially paramilitary training, opportunities. It looks at the paramilitary-extremist East-West connections, their nature and strength, and explores whether these go beyond the region and reach Russia, which enjoys a fair degree of popularity amongst the CEE paramilitaries and extremists. While doing so, it challenges some of the commonly held assumptions concerning the region, such as the perception that it constitutes somewhat of a centre for right-wing extremism.

The report will focus on several case studies in the following countries: the Czech Republic (and Slovakia), Hungary, Poland and Ukraine. It is based on interviews with members of the right-wing extremist scenes of these countries, local experts on right-wing extremism and/or paramilitarism and on open-source queries. The report concludes with a set of practical policy recommendations on how the potential security risks highlighted in the report could be mitigated.