EU Adds Neo-Nazi Group The Base to Terrorist List

On July 26, the European Union officially classified The Base, a neo-Nazi group founded in the United States, as a terrorist organization, imposing immediate sanctions. The Council of the European Union stated that The Base, established by Rinaldo Nazzaro in 2018, is involved in terrorist activities and aims to incite a race war and dismantle the U.S. government to create a white ethno-state. The sanctions include a travel ban, asset freezes within Europe, and prohibitions on EU citizens or companies from funding the group. Rinaldo Nazzaro, a U.S. citizen, initiated The Base as a network for radical right nationalists preparing for armed conflict. After founding the group, he relocated to Saint Petersburg, Russia, where he acquired citizenship. The Base operates not only in the U.S. but also in several other countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada, Sweden, and the Netherlands, as reported by various think tanks and news sources. Concerns have been raised regarding The Base's potential to attract radicalized individuals from the U.S. military and law enforcement. Nazzaro, who previously worked for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and had top-secret clearance, resigned from his national security position after adopting white nationalist ideologies. Additionally, reports indicate that he has expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, further complicating the group's profile. The EU's decision to sanction The Base reflects growing international concern over the rise of extremist groups and their potential threats to public safety and democratic institutions.