The new 'Patriots for Europe' group in the European Parliament has officially launched with 84 MEPs from 12 EU countries, as confirmed by Northern League member Paolo Borchia. This makes the group the third-largest force in the European Chamber, following the EPP and the Socialists, and ahead of the Conservatives. Borchia emphasized that the group is open to new members who meet their criteria but noted that there are no current discussions with the AfD.
The French National Rally (RN) party is set to formalize its membership in this new nationalist group, which was initiated by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. With at least 79 deputies from ten countries, 'Patriots for Europe' is poised to become a significant force, trailing only the pro-European right (EPP) and the Social Democrats (S&D), but surpassing the Renew group, which includes Emmanuel Macron's political family.
Jordan Bardella, leader of the National Rally, stated that their MEPs would play a crucial role in opposing migratory policies, punitive ecological measures, and sovereignty issues within Europe. The RN delegation has scheduled a press conference to provide further details following the group's constitutive meeting.
Viktor Orban announced on June 30 his intention to form this parliamentary group, collaborating with the Austrian far-right party FPÖ and the movement of former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis. Orban aims to present a different voice in the European Parliament, opposing military support for Ukraine, illegal immigration, and advocating for traditional family values.
Several European far-right parties have shown their support for 'Patriots for Europe,' including Geert Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV) from the Netherlands, the Portuguese Chega movement, Spain's VOX, the Danish People's Party, and the far-right Flemish independence party Vlaams Belang. The Italian League led by Matteo Salvini has also joined, bringing eight elected officials into the fold. The RN is expected to be the largest delegation within the group, with Viktor Orban's Fidesz holding around ten seats.
- The formation of 'Patriots for Europe' signifies a growing trend of nationalist and far-right movements collaborating across Europe. This new group aims to influence European policies significantly, particularly in areas concerning immigration, environmental regulations, and national sovereignty.
- The group's creation comes at a time when nationalist sentiments are rising in various EU countries, challenging the traditional pro-European stance of the European Parliament. With key figures like Viktor Orban and Matteo Salvini at the helm, the group is expected to push for substantial changes in EU policies.
- The inclusion of parties like the French National Rally and the Dutch Party for Freedom highlights the group's broad appeal across different European nations. This coalition could reshape the political landscape in the European Parliament, making it a critical entity to watch in future legislative sessions.
