With a new wave of Kremlin-friendly leadership rising in Central Europe, former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš could soon align Czechia with the growing pro-Russia bloc if he wins back power in 2025. Babiš has already adopted the rhetoric of Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Slovakia’s Robert Fico, showing skepticism towards support for Ukraine and questioning Europe’s deep integration. This trend, which sees U.S. influence waning, could strain the EU’s unity on sanctions, defense, and economic policy toward Moscow, sparking anxieties across the continent.
Photo: Andrej Babiš (@andrejbabis)
Babiš’s ANO party’s recent coalition with far-right allies in the European Parliament, alongside a populist shift in Czechia, hints at a possible pivot in Czech foreign policy if Babiš takes office again. His rhetoric mirrors that of Orbán’s Hungarian nationalism, aligning the region’s political landscape more closely with the Kremlin’s vision of a divided, influence-weakened EU. With a weakened coalition government under Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Babiš’s surging popularity signals a possible resurgence of right-wing, Moscow-leaning influence at the heart of Europe.
As the EU contends with this shifting power bloc, its long-term strategy towards Russia, and even its willingness to expand in Eastern Europe, could be reshaped by a Czech return to Babiš’s populist rule. For the EU, the stakes are clear: Central Europe’s drift toward Moscow risks dividing the EU on issues from security to migration, with potentially far-reaching impacts on the balance of power in Europe.
