European Parliament faces Backlash over event hosted by AllatRa
EU MPs outraged by AllatRa event in European Parliament premises (Photo: REUTERS/Johanna Geron)
The European Parliament has become embroiled in a dispute after allowing an event hosted by AllatRa, a group criticized over alleged pro-Russian ties, conspiracy theories and pseudoscientific ideas, despite objections from several lawmakers, Politico reported on June 5.
The event took place in February and focused on the risks associated with nanoplastics. It was co-organized by Czech far-right Member of the European Parliament Ondřej Knotek, the report said.
The organization describes itself as an international think tank that researches global risks, environmental issues and human rights. Critics, however, say it is linked to the AllatRa movement, which Ukrainian security services have accused of promoting pro-Russian narratives and justifying Russia's aggression against Ukraine under the guise of "missionary activities."
The movement's early writings also contained claims about the influence of extraterrestrial beings on humanity. Investigative reports have linked the group to other conspiracy theories, including the future unification of Slavic nations, the denial of human-caused climate change and apocalyptic predictions.
AllatRa co-founder Ihor Danylov, a Ukrainian chiropractor, is under investigation in Ukraine on suspicion of treason, participation in a criminal organization and activities undermining national security.
Danylov did not respond to a request for comment. However, representatives of the organization rejected all accusations, saying they have no ties to Russian propaganda or disinformation networks and that they "condemn Russia's war against Ukraine."
Following the event, several members of the European Parliament filed complaints with parliamentary leadership, arguing that the participation of such an organization posed reputational risks and could grant "institutional legitimacy to organizations linked to foreign influence or disinformation activities."
Slovak MEP Martin Hojsík described AllatRa as "a sect infiltrating Europe's political and security structures." He also alleged that the organization seeks to pressure and target individuals who investigate its activities.
Politico reported that the European Parliament's administrative bodies concluded there was insufficient evidence to justify a formal investigation. In particular, officials found no clear and compelling evidence supporting allegations of "pro-Russian narratives or links to disinformation networks associated with Russia."
Questions were also raised about the organization's inclusion in the EU Transparency Register, which facilitates access to EU institutions. The European Parliament said a request to review the matter is currently being prepared.
AllatRa describes itself as a civic organization operating "outside politics and outside religion." Critics, however, frequently describe it as a sect or a "semi-religious, semi-occult structure" linked to the ideology of the "Russian World," accusing it of spreading conspiracy theories and Russian propaganda.
AllatRa emerged in Ukraine in the early 2010s and later established branches in Russia, Moldova, the United States and several EU countries.
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