The European Parliament approves initiating an assessment of ESN’s adherence to EU values

Brussels – The European Parliament has decided to launch an investigation into whether “Europe of Sovereign Nations” (ESN), the continent’s far-right party, is upholding the values of the European Union. 

During today’s plenary session in Strasbourg (7 July), the Parliament decided to ask the Authority for European Political Parties and European Political Foundations (APPF) to verify whether the Europe of Sovereign Nations party complies with the conditions for registration and funding laid down by the Regulations on the Statutes and Funding of Political Parties and European political foundations.

Among those who have joined the party are members of the German party Alternative für Deutschland and the MEP and leader of Futuro Nazionale, Roberto Vannacci.​​ The vote was held by secret ballot and was approved by 414 votes in favour, 224 against, and 18 abstentions. 

The APPF, which is responsible for the registration, monitoring, and, where necessary, the imposition of sanctions on European political parties, initiated the procedure for the first time last May after uncovering facts that raise doubts about the sovereignists’ compliance with EU values. After informing the Parliament, the Council, and the Commission, the institutions had two months to decide whether to submit a request for an investigation. 

The APPF will now assess whether the party upholds the values of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, which are necessary requirements for registration as a European political party. Should it be decided to remove the party from the register, however, the decision may only take effect if there are no objections from the Parliament or the Council.