No More EU Taxpayer Money for AfD's European Party? Parliament to Vote on Investigation

The values of human dignity, freedom, democracy and equality form the foundation of the European Union. If a European political party violates these values, it can be deregistered by the competent supervisory authority, losing its entitlement to EU funding. The first European party that could face such a procedure is the Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN), founded by Germany’s AfD. 

Representatives of the AfD’s European party have been accused of making racist, homophobic and antisemitic statements, among other allegations. During next week’s plenary session in Strasbourg, the European Parliament will vote on whether the Brussels-based Authority for European Political Parties and European Political Foundations (APPF) should carry out a formal investigation into the ESN. 

Launching the vote required 180 signatures. More than 200 Members of the European Parliament – including Christian Democrats, Social Democrats, Liberals, Greens and members of the Left – have signed the request, clearing the first hurdle. A simple majority in Parliament is required for the proposal to pass. 

If proceedings against the ESN are ultimately successful, the party would no longer be eligible to receive EU funding. The work of the ESN political group in the European Parliament, which includes AfD MEPs, would not be affected. Legally, the ESN European party is separate from the ESN political group in the European Parliament.

European political parties are umbrella organisations that bring together national political parties from across the EU. They receive funding from the EU budget to coordinate election campaigns, develop common political programmes and promote civic and political education.

Daniel Freund, Member of the European Parliament and member of Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs:

“There are strong indications that the AfD’s European party has violated the European Union’s fundamental values. These allegations should now be investigated. The first step has been taken: the required signatures for a vote next week have been secured. It is now up to the European Parliament to decide whether the ESN should be subjected to a thorough investigation. One thing is clear to us: violations of the European Union’s fundamental values must not be financed with taxpayers’ money.”