EditBrussels watchdog moves to ban far-right EU party alliance
The far-right political group Europe of Sovereign Nations risks losing €2 million in funding over alleged violations of EU values
The European Union’s political watchdog has launched a significant challenge against one of the newest far-right alliances in the European Parliament.
The Authority for European Political Parties and European Political Foundations (APPF) sent on 22 May, a detailed 300-page letter to the European Parliament, Council, and Commission outlining concerns about the Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN) party. If the process advances, the party could lose its official registration and access to approximately €2 million in annual EU subsidies.
The ESN party, formally registered in September 2024, brings together several nationalist and far-right forces across Europe. Spearheaded by Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Bulgaria’s Vazrazhdane (Revival), the alliance also includes parties and figures from France’s Reconquest, Poland’s Confederation, Slovakia’s Republic Movement, Czechia’s Freedom and Direct Democracy, Hungary’s Our Homeland Movement, and others. It was established shortly after the 2024 European elections as both a parliamentary group and a registered European political party.
Evidence of value violations raises serious questions
The APPF’s letter, signed by director Pascal Schonard, compiles court rulings, screenshots of social media posts, and public statements attributed to MEPs and national politicians within the alliance. It highlights recurring anti-immigration rhetoric, including calls for “remigration,” antisemitic comments, anti-Roma sentiment, and anti-LGBT language, such as equating homosexuality with pedophilia. One notable example cited involves Tomasz Michał Grabarczyk, a Polish politician from Confederation/New Hope, who posted: “Israel is not just a criminal state. Israelis are a nation of criminals.” The post was retweeted by the party.
The document also focuses heavily on the AfD, which German intelligence services classified as a right-wing extremist organisation in May 2025. A Cologne administrative court ruling, while blocking parts of that classification, still determined that significant elements of the party’s program contradict human dignity and freedom of religion. For Bulgaria’s Vazrazhdane, the letter points to its open cooperation with Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party and accuses it of orchestrating violent protests in Sofia and attacks on the European Commission delegation in February 2025.
These allegations center on whether ESN complies with Article 2 of the Treaty on the European Union, which demands respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and minority rights. European political parties must demonstrate adherence to these principles to maintain registration and public funding.
ESN President Stanislav Stoyanov from Bulgaria’s Vazrazhdane responded to the APPF in early May, arguing that the European party lacks a direct mandate to control its member parties’ actions. He emphasized ongoing dialogue as the mechanism for upholding EU values. Neither the ESN nor the AfD provided further comment to media inquiries.
The distinction between the ESN parliamentary group and the registered party is important. While deregistration would affect funding and formal status, individual MEPs would likely retain their seats in the European Parliament.
Political ramifications and the German AfD factor
The timing of this action adds complexity to an already tense political landscape. In Germany, the AfD continues to gain ground, particularly in eastern states. In Saxony-Anhalt, lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund has expressed confidence about a potential victory in upcoming regional elections. Polls suggest the party could secure a strong result, possibly even governing alone, raising alarms among opponents and security officials.
Critics, including political scientists like Matthias Quent, warn that an AfD-led government in the region could deepen radicalization rather than moderate it. The state branch has been particularly controversial, with domestic intelligence labeling it extremist for promoting concepts of citizenship allegedly based on ethnicity. Siegmund has dismissed such classifications as politically motivated, insisting the party remains committed to the rule of law.
The German parliament has previously debated whether to refer the AfD to the constitutional court for a potential national ban, though that process is separate and more arduous. The European move, however, could indirectly weaken the party’s resources and international alliances.
Any of the three main EU institutions – Parliament, Council, or Commission, can now request the APPF to proceed with a formal verification process. If approved, the authority would present its findings to ESN, allowing the party an opportunity to address concerns. A committee of independent eminent persons would then review the case before a final decision on deregistration. The Parliament and Council would have three months to object to any such ruling.
This case tests the relatively new legal framework for regulating European political parties, which only fully entered into force in December 2025. Officials have expressed uncertainty about the exact procedural path forward, highlighting the untested nature of the mechanism.
The outcome could have broader implications for the future of transnational political alliances within the EU. Supporters of the ESN view the action as political persecution aimed at silencing dissenting voices on immigration, sovereignty, and EU integration. Critics argue it represents a necessary defense of the Union’s foundational values against forces that actively undermine them.
As the institutions deliberate, the episode underscores deepening divisions within European politics. With rising support for nationalist parties across several member states, the battle over what constitutes acceptable political expression at the European level is likely to intensify in the coming months. The resolution of the ESN case may set an important precedent for how the EU balances democratic pluralism with the protection of its core principles.
Sources: Politico, Reuters, Deutsche Welle
Caption: The seats of the Members of Parliament belonging to the Europe of Sovereign Nations Group (ESN) during a request vote for the waiver of the immunity of Petr Bystron (unseen), German MEP from the Alternative for Deutschland party (AFD), as part of the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg, France, 10 February 2026. The current plenary session runs from 09 to 12 February 2026. EPA/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON
Updated: May 28, 2026 - 10:50
