The Netherlands has taken a significant step by aligning with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance, officially classifying Antifa as a terrorist organization. According to NL Times, a majority in the lower house of the Dutch Parliament approved a motion proposing this designation. The initiative was spearheaded by Lidewij de Vos (FvD), Caroline van der Plas (BBB), and Geert Wilders (PVV), with backing from the VVD, SGP, and JA21 parties.
The motion’s proponents argued that Antifa cells operate within the Netherlands, posing threats to politicians, disrupting public events, intimidating students and journalists, and employing violent tactics. However, the National Counter-Terrorism Unit (NCTV) noted that organized left-wing extremism in the country remains fragmented, small-scale, and ideologically diverse.
Volt leader Laurens Dassen expressed surprise at the swift parliamentary approval, stating on BlueSky, “With the support of the VVD, even here, unwelcome opinions are now being banned with a stroke of the pen.” Trump had previously declared Antifa a “major terrorist organization” on Truth Social, vowing to investigate those funding the group.
Hungary is also adopting similar measures, with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán endorsing Trump’s decision. Orbán, a right-wing populist and staunch Trump ally, stated that Antifa qualifies as a terrorist organization and urged Hungary to follow the U.S. example. He referenced a 2023 incident in Budapest where antifascist activists clashed with far-right participants, leading to the arrest of Italian activist Ilaria Salis, which sparked diplomatic tensions between Rome and Budapest.