The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is reportedly working intensively on the formation of a new European party, aiming to access public funds by 2025, according to investigations by NDR and WDR. This move comes despite the party’s historical opposition to receiving public funding. Notably, two controversial politicians are believed to be involved in these efforts.
In a sharp contrast to previous stances, AfD officials are now working on establishing a European political party, an entity which is eligible for EU public funds. This shift in strategy comes at a time when the party had previously criticised the very existence of such funding. A key driving force behind this initiative is the potential for significant financial benefits, as other major European parties have received millions of euros in public funding through similar arrangements.
This is a notable departure from AfD rhetoric, particularly that of Björn Höcke, who famously declared in 2023, “This EU must die so that true Europe can live.” Yet, documents obtained by WDR and NDR indicate that the party is looking to capitalise on the financial advantages of EU membership by forming its own European party.
European Party Formation
Under the European Union’s political framework, European parties are coalitions of national political parties from various member states. These parties are eligible for public funds if they meet certain conditions, including garnering at least 3% of the vote in a quarter of the EU member states. AfD’s strategy seems to be focused on aligning itself with other far-right parties across Europe, particularly in countries like Bulgaria, Poland, and France, where its likely partners include the Wasraschdane, Konfederacja, and Reconquête parties.
To pave the way for the formation of this European entity, a precursor association named “Europa der souveränen Nationen – ESN e.V.” was founded in Berlin. This group will form the basis of the new European party and will also serve as the coordinating body for political groups with shared objectives across different levels of governance, both within the EU and beyond.
Timing and Financial Motivation
The urgency of this initiative appears to be linked to financial deadlines. According to a decision by the AfD’s federal executive board, the new party must be formed in time to meet budgetary timelines for 2025. The formal application to recognise the European party and secure funding must be submitted to the EU by the end of September 2024.
The decision on whether, and how much, funding the AfD would receive is in the hands of the European Parliament. The amount of potential funding could reach millions of euros, depending on the number of successful alliances the party is able to form across Europe.
Despite this shift towards seeking EU funding, the AfD has previously condemned the practice of political foundations receiving public subsidies. In the past, the party sought to avoid reliance on public money in order to remain independent, a stance that is now being reconsidered. The AfD-linked Desiderius Erasmus Foundation, for instance, has already applied for public funds.
Controversial Figures Involved
The European party formation is being overseen by prominent figures within the AfD, including party leaders Tino Chrupalla and Alice Weidel, as well as key financial officials and MEPs. However, two controversial politicians have also been implicated in the efforts: Petr Bystron and Frank Pasemann.
Bystron, an AfD candidate for the European Parliament, has faced allegations of money laundering and bribery linked to a Russian influence network. While he denies any involvement in the negotiations to form the new European party, internal party documents suggest he has played a role in reaching out to potential European partners. Additionally, Frank Pasemann, a former Bundestag member who was expelled from the party in 2020 over antisemitic remarks, is mentioned in these documents as a key figure in the financial management of the far-right faction within the AfD.
The involvement of Bystron and Pasemann has raised eyebrows both within the AfD and in external political circles. Their participation in the party’s European ambitions comes at a time when the AfD has faced increased scrutiny from German intelligence agencies, who have accused the party of violating principles of human dignity.
Implications for the European Right
The AfD has struggled to find a stable footing within the European Parliament. After previously being a member of the Identity and Democracy (ID) group—a far-right coalition that included France’s National Rally and Italy’s League—the AfD was expelled following a scandal involving one of its top candidates, Maximilian Krah. The fallout from this incident led to Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s National Rally, urging the AfD to moderate its extremist rhetoric.
Nevertheless, the AfD’s current plan to form a European party signals its determination to reassert itself on the European stage. By allying with other far-right parties in Europe, the AfD seeks to regain influence within the EU and secure the financial resources necessary to bolster its political activities.
Read also:
Petr Bystroň: German Authorities Raid AfD Politician Suspected of Possible Russian Financing
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