The European elections have officially started.

In this context, the rise of the far right across Europe has come hand in hand with increased stigmatization,

harassment and violence against women and LGBTIQI plus people.

During the last European Parliament legislature, this translated into measures such as the establishment

of LGBQL plus free zones in countries like Poland and the severe deterioration of the right

to abortion in some EU member states.

For example, in 2022, Hungary passed a new abortion restriction obliging women who are seeking an abortion

to listen to the fetal heartbeat before they can access the procedure.

In April 2004, the Meloni government in Italy passed a measure to allow anti-abortion activists

to enter abortion clinics. No, this is not an episode of The Handmaid's Tale.

I am Marcella Villa and this is EU Watchdog Radio,

a podcast by Corporate Europe Observatory and Country Balance.

But this is you, man on the moon, mom.

In this episode, I spoke with corporate Europe Observatory, researcher and You're listening to EU Watchdog Radio.

In this episode, I spoke with corporate Europe Observatory researcher and campaigner Kenneth Harr about the link between ultra-conservative US foundations and right-wing forces across Europe.

In the crosshairs, outstance the Alliance Defending Freedom, or ADF International,

a Christian right-wing organization

that during the years has worked hard to establish a transatlantic conservative network

to roll back sexual reproductive health rights and LGBTIQI-plus rights.

But who is the Alliance Defending Freedom?

I ask Kenneth for an overview. The Alliance Defending Freedom? I ask Kenneth for an overview.

The Alliance Defending Freedom is a Christian right-wing organization.

...