Racist Statements: AfD’s European Party Faces Potential Ban

Though small in size, the EU’s oversight authority for political parties has caused a major stir with its latest report. In a 300-page assessment, the authority details how representatives of the far-right party ESN (Europe of Sovereign Nations) systematically violate European values. Leading ESN politicians have publicly made racist, antisemitic, and homophobic statements. The ESN, which includes Germany’s AfD, could face a ban as a result.

A successful ban would cut off EU funding to the party. In 2026, the ESN is set to receive around €2 million from the European Parliament. In addition to the AfD, which founded the European party, the ESN includes far-right parties from Bulgaria, France, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

The ESN party is legally separate from the ESN group in the European Parliament, which currently has 27 MEPs. While political groups form the parliamentary factions, European parties are umbrella organizations where national parties unite. European parties are funded by the EU budget to coordinate election campaigns, develop manifestos, and promote political education.

Daniel Freund, Green Party member of the Constitutional Affairs Committee: 

“Those who incite against minorities, collude with Europe’s enemies, and fuel racism should not be rewarded with taxpayer money. The evidence gathered by the responsible authority paints a clear picture: The AfD’s European party tramples on Europe’s values. The European Parliament must turn off the funding tap for the ESN. Parliament cannot afford to waste time. It should immediately launch proceedings that could lead to defunding or even a ban.”