Patriots for Europe

The European Parliament ordered the far-right Patriots for Europe group to return €276,967 in misused EU funds due to improper donations, procurement breaches, and irregular contracts, including to companies linked to France’s National Rally. The audit found the group funded local organizations and awarded tenders without following procedures, similar to prior issues with the now-defunct Identity and Democracy group.

Hungary's former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is attending a far-right party summit in Brussels instead of the EU summit for the first time in 16 years. His successor, Péter Magyar, is participating in the EU summit with leaders from Spain, France, and Germany, marking a shift in Hungary's approach to EU cooperation. Orbán remains influential in advocating for far-right policies and EU reform.

Viktor Orbán, returning to Brussels after Hungary's election, vowed to continue opposing EU policies on migration and reform. He emphasized Fidesz's role in the Patriots for Europe group and noted the ongoing progress of patriotic parties. New Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar aims to reset EU relations and reclaim frozen funds.

Marieke Ehlers, a Dutch lawmaker from Geert Wilders' Party of Freedom, serves as chief whip of the Patriots for Europe, a far-right group in the European Parliament. The group has shifted from opposing Brussels to seeking legislative influence, forming alliances with centrist and right-wing parties to advance policies on migration, environmental deregulation, and other issues.