MEP Jean-Paul Garraud from France has been linked to pro-Russian views and activities that seem to support Russia in the Ukraine conflict. His political affiliations and statements have raised questions about his position on European security and relations with Russia.
Garraud is a member of the National Rally party, which has traditionally been critical of the EU’s position on Russia. The party is known for its nationalist and eurosceptic stands, generally supporting friendly relations with Russia more than opposition parties in mainstream European groups. It votes, as on November 2022, the European Parliament adopts a resolution declaring Russia a state sponsor of terrorism. At that time, MEP Jean-Paul Garraud opposed the resolution aiming to support it and was said to have declined the labeling of Russia as being a terror sponsor.
In 2023, Jean-Paul Garraud also abstained from voting on the EU Parliament Resolution regarding the establishment of a tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Garraud has been known to be critical of the EU’s policies regarding Russia and Ukraine. He has expressed views that align with a more lenient approach towards Russia, arguing against what he perceives as overly aggressive sanctions and military support for Ukraine. His statements suggest a belief that the EU should reconsider its stance on Russia to foster dialogue rather than conflict.
In discussions about EU enlargement, Garraud has criticised the EU’s approach, suggesting that it is too idealistic and fails to adequately address geopolitical realities, including relations with Russia. According to him, there are too many problems in the candidate countries that would be risky to bring into the EU. His comments indicate a preference for prioritising national interests over collective EU strategies that may antagonise Russia.
According to experts, as an official spokesperson for Marine Le Pen, Garraud’s statements align with the RN’s broader strategy of maintaining a nuanced position regarding Russia. Garraud has accused the EU of being “obsessed with waging culture wars during a time of real war,” suggesting that the EU’s focus on internal cultural issues detracts from addressing the pressing crisis in Ukraine. He has also criticised the EU for dismissing complaints from countries like Poland and Hungary regarding funding mechanisms.
