New Far-Right Group, Europe of Sovereign Nations, established in European Parliament

A new far-right group, Europe of Sovereign Nations, has been established in the European Parliament, its newly-elected leader announced on Wednesday.

The alliance, which includes 25 MEPs, is spearheaded by Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Poland’s Confederation. It also comprises MEPs from Bulgaria’s Revival, France’s Reconquête, Slovakia’s Republic Movement, Hungary’s Our Home Movement, Lithuania’s People and Justice Union, and the Czech Republic’s Freedom and Direct Democracy.

This development marks the formation of two new far-right groups in the Parliament within a few days. On Monday, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally and Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz joined forces to create the Patriots for Europe group, which has effectively replaced the now-disbanded Identity & Democracy group.

Europe of Sovereign Nations promises to adopt a more radical stance than the Patriots.

Centrist and left-wing political groups are expected to impose a cordon sanitaire on both new groups, preventing their members from securing influential positions over the next five years. The so-called Sovereignists will be the Parliament’s smallest grouping, with very limited ability to influence legislation. However, one of the group leaders will be entitled to attend the powerful Conference of Presidents meetings, which set the Parliament’s agenda and handle its internal affairs.