Sign in Subscribe
European Union

Investigation Launched into Alleged Misuse of EU Funds by Defunct Far-Right Group

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

An investigation has been launched into the alleged misuse of EU funds by a defunct far-right political group at the European Parliament, following reports of an internal audit by the European Parliament. The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has confirmed the probe, while media outlets have reported on allegations of misused funds, amounting to approximately £4.3 million ($5 million) between 2019 and 2024. The investigation involves associates of the group, which included parties such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD), France's National Rally (NR), and Italy's League.

Key Takeaways:

  • The investigation is led by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) regarding alleged misuse of EU funds by the defunct far-right political group Identity and Democracy (ID) between 2019 and 2024.
  • The probe is in response to reports of an internal audit by the European Parliament, which alleged that ID misused approximately £4.3 million ($5 million) in EU funds.
  • The funds were reportedly channelled to associations supporting stray animals and opponents of abortion, as well as to companies associated with the parliamentary group.
  • The Alternative for Germany (AfD), France's National Rally (NR), and Italy's League were among the parties associated with the ID group.
  • The investigation marks the second time that alleged misappropriation of EU funds has involved parties from the European right-wing.
  • France's National Rally has faced scrutiny for its handling of EU money, with former party leader Marine Le Pen convicted in March of embezzling EU funds in a separate case.

Statistics:

  • £4.3 million ($5 million) - the approximate amount of EU funds allegedly misused by the ID group between 2019 and 2024.
  • 2004-2016 - years during which France's National Rally was accused of embezzling EU funds.
  • 8 - the number of members of Marine Le Pen's party found guilty in the EU funds embezzlement case in 2016.
  • 12 - the number of parliamentary assistants found guilty in the EU funds embezzlement case in 2016.

Sources:

  • Ghana News Agency, 09 July 2025
  • dpa
  • Le Monde
  • Die Zeit
  • Kontraste
  • Falter
  • German broadcaster ARD

Read more