Brussels/Berlin – Claims of a firm line against the far-right in European politics are being questioned following reports of increased cooperation between the European People’s Party (EVP) – which includes the CDU and CSU – and the AfD, as well as other right-wing parties. According to a report by the Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa), internal chat logs and a recent meeting reveal a closer working relationship than previously acknowledged.
The dpa reports that the EVP collaborated with right-wing factions in a WhatsApp group and during a meeting to develop a proposal to tighten migration policies. EVP representatives shared a draft proposal with right-wing groups, and received suggested amendments, including input from an AfD politician’s office. Following agreement on the proposal, a message in the WhatsApp group read, “Many thanks for this excellent collaboration,” accompanied by a clapping emoji.
EVP-Chef Weber: “Kontrolliere nicht die Chatgruppen von Mitarbeitern”
EVP leader Manfred Weber (53) did not deny the existence of the chat logs to BILD, but stated, “The AfD plays no role in the majorities and the content. I set the strategy as group leader. But I do not control the chat groups of employees.”
Weber instead criticized the SPD, arguing that if the party aligned with the German government’s position on migration in Brussels, there would be no necessitate to seek other majorities. Weber told BILD, “We are implementing a position that is also supported by the federal government. It’s incomprehensible to me why the European SPD is undermining this.”
EU-AfD-Chef: Regieren „in Europa bei der künftigen Migrationspolitik mit“
According to information obtained by BILD, EVP and AfD representatives discussed the stricter migration policy proposal alongside members of the Swedish Democrats and Italy’s Fratelli d’Italia, led by Giorgia Meloni (49).
René Aust (38), the AfD’s leader in the EU Parliament, celebrated the developments, telling BILD, “Common sense is returning to the European Parliament: cooperation across party lines instead of hiding behind firewalls. Where the AfD has a say, things will gain better for citizens: whether it’s tax cuts in Thuringia or – as now – simplified deportations across Europe!”
The AfD acknowledged its votes were not necessary to achieve a majority on the proposal, but internally claimed credit for influencing parts of the final agreement on migration policy. This claim cannot be independently verified.
“The AfD is governing in Europe when it comes to future migration policy,” Aust stated to BILD.
CSU General Secretary Martin Huber (48) emphasized to BILD, “For the CSU, it is clear: there is no cooperation with the AfD. Neither in Bavaria, nor in Germany, nor in Europe.”
Unklar, ob EVP in der Vergangenheit schon so eng mit rechten Fraktionen zusammengearbeitet hat
While the “firewall” is being invoked in Germany, accusations of increasing alignment between conservative and far-right parties in Brussels are not recent. Similar concerns arose in November when the EVP, with votes from other right-wing parties, weakened a supply chain law, with the AfD also voting in favor. A similar situation occurred on Monday when a stricter migration policy, including asylum centers in third countries, was approved with support from both conservative and far-right groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EVP?
The EVP is the European People’s Party, a center-right European political party, of which the CDU and CSU are members.
What role did the AfD play in the recent migration policy proposal?
According to reports, the AfD provided input on a proposal to tighten migration policies, and internally claimed credit for influencing parts of the final agreement, though this claim has not been verified.
What is Manfred Weber’s response to the allegations of cooperation?
Manfred Weber stated that the AfD plays no role in the majorities and content of policy decisions, but that he does not control the chat groups of his employees.
How might these reported interactions between the EVP and the AfD reshape the political landscape within the European Parliament?