Key Takeaways:

• Hungary’s foreign minister wants the EU to label antifa a terrorist group.
• He blames antifa for violent acts seen in several European countries.
• A letter was sent to the EU’s foreign affairs chief urging action.
• The move is stirring debate across the EU about civil rights and public safety.

Hungary Pushes EU to Classify Antifa as Terrorist Group

Hungary is asking the European Union to take a bold step. The country’s foreign minister, Peter Szijjarto, says the EU should officially label antifa a terrorist organization. He shared this demand in a letter to the EU’s foreign policy leader, Kaja Kallas, and then posted parts of the letter on social media.

Szijjarto believes that antifa is behind several violent incidents across Europe. He argues that classifying the group as a terrorist organization would help fight back against what he calls “leftist extremism.”

What Is Antifa and Why Is It in the Spotlight?

Antifa stands for “anti-fascist.” It’s not an official group with leaders or headquarters. Instead, it’s a loose network of activists who oppose racism, fascism, and far-right ideologies. Some antifa protesters have clashed with police or far-right groups during demonstrations.

Supporters of antifa say they’re standing up to hate. However, critics argue the group uses violence and chaos to push political views. That’s the main reason why some countries, like Hungary, are now pointing to antifa as a dangerous threat.

Peter Szijjarto’s letter to the EU claims that antifa is responsible for attacks on police and political opponents. He says that if there’s evidence linking individuals to antifa-related violence, those people should face terrorism charges.

Why Hungary Is Making This Demand Now

Over the past few months, Europe has seen protests and clashes on city streets. In some cases, masked individuals vandalized shops, fought with police, and disrupted peaceful rallies. While not all of these incidents have been linked to antifa, Szijjarto argues that the movement encourages this kind of behavior.

The foreign minister didn’t point to any specific events within Hungary. However, he mentioned several incidents in Germany, France, and Italy that he claims show the violent side of antifa.

Szijjarto’s position is in line with Hungary’s nationalist government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Orbán’s administration frequently criticizes liberal and left-wing movements, describing them as threats to traditional values.

EU Faces Pressure to Define Antifa Clearly

Right now, the EU doesn’t officially recognize antifa as a terrorist group. In fact, many EU members try to balance security needs with protections for free speech and protest rights. Labeling a movement like antifa as “terrorist” would be a big change—one that could affect how protests are handled in every European country.

Some human rights groups warn that labeling antifa as a terrorist group could hurt free speech. They argue that peaceful protesters might be unfairly punished. Others say that the definition of “terrorist” could be stretched too far and used for political reasons.

So far, the EU’s foreign affairs office hasn’t given a clear response to Szijjarto’s letter. However, the fact that these demands were made so publicly means the issue may not fade away anytime soon.

Public Safety vs. Political Freedom—A Tough Debate

The antifa debate also ties into a larger struggle between public safety and personal freedom. Governments have the duty to keep people safe from violence. But they also need to protect the rights of citizens to speak up and protest.

Some people see antifa as a protective force that stands against hate groups. Others see it as a violent movement that spreads chaos. The truth likely depends on the individuals involved, their actions, and the context of each protest.

Peter Szijjarto says the EU can’t ignore what he calls “left-wing terrorism.” His letter urges the European Council to act quickly and begin taking stronger measures against antifa and similar groups.

Reactions From Around Europe

Reactions to Hungary’s demand have been mixed. Some conservative politicians in other EU countries support the idea. They believe antifa causes real harm and needs to be treated seriously. Others accuse Hungary of trying to silence activists or groups that disagree with its policies.

In Germany, where protests involving antifa often make headlines, leaders have avoided branding the group as terrorists. Instead, they focus on individual crimes rather than judging an entire movement.

France and Italy have also seen clashes between antifa demonstrators and police, especially during political rallies. However, both countries have so far stopped short of taking Hungary’s approach.

What’s Next for Antifa in the EU?

It’s unclear whether the EU will act on Hungary’s request. Any decision to label a group as a terrorist organization requires strong evidence and agreement from member states. It’s not something that happens quickly.

Still, the topic opens up questions Europe will need to face soon: How do we define political violence? At what point does protest become terrorism? And which tools should governments use to stop violent acts without shutting down free speech?

So far, EU leaders have tried to avoid making harsh judgments about political groups unless there’s clear proof of wrongdoing. If Szijjarto’s campaign gains support, that could change.

At the same time, Hungary’s demand may also put pressure on activists and protesters across Europe. If more countries start seeing antifa as a terror threat, people involved in anti-fascist protests could face more surveillance, arrests, or bans.

A Shift in EU Politics?

Hungary’s move could be part of a bigger shift in EU politics. More countries are dealing with deep political divides, especially over issues like immigration, climate, and national identity. As political tensions rise, there’s more pressure on EU leaders to show they’re serious about security.

But handling groups like antifa is hard, especially when they don’t have formal leaders or official memberships. That makes it tricky to investigate crimes in a way that’s fair, legal, and not overly broad.

Still, this won’t be the last time we hear about antifa in European politics. Whether or not the EU gives Hungary what it wants, the conversation about security, protest, and political activism will continue to shape Europe’s future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is antifa?

Antifa stands for “anti-fascist.” It refers to loose groups of activists who protest against racism and authoritarianism. While some members use peaceful methods, others are accused of using violence during demonstrations.

Why is Hungary attacking antifa now?

Hungary says there’s been a rise in violent protests linked to antifa across Europe. The government believes labeling antifa as terrorists would help prevent more chaos.

Is antifa a terrorist group in the EU?

No, the EU does not officially recognize antifa as a terrorist group. Each country decides how to deal with protest movements under its own laws.

What happens if the EU agrees with Hungary?

If the EU labels antifa as a terrorist organization, it would allow stricter rules for arresting suspected members and blocking protests. But this move would likely spark big debates over civil rights.