Formation of Third Far-Right Alliance in European Parliament

The Alternative for Germany (AFD) has joined forces with other far-right parties to establish the 'Europe of Sovereign Nations' group in the European Parliament. This new alliance, smaller than the rival 'Patriots for Europe' group, highlights the fragmentation and deep misgivings among Europe's nationalist parties.

The Alternative for Germany (AFD) has teamed up with other far-right parties to form a third far-right alliance in the European Parliament, according to a group member's statement on Wednesday. The new group, named 'Europe of Sovereign Nations,' will join two other alliances led by France's National Rally and Hungary's Fidesz party.

The emergence of this new group underscores the fragmentation on the far-right flank of the European Parliament. The 'Europe of Sovereign Nations,' which includes small parties from various countries, will be significantly smaller than the 'Patriots for Europe' group. The AFD will be the largest party within this new alliance, contributing 14 of the group's 28 legislators.

The increasing division among Europe's nationalist parties, particularly over ideological differences, has made it challenging to forge strong cross-border alliances. These divisions were highlighted by the refusal to admit the S.O.S. Romania party into the new group. Additionally, the departure of an AFD legislator due to controversies over Germany's Nazi past further illustrates these internal rifts.