At the center of the case is the former far-right “Identity and Democracy” (ID) faction, Germany’s AfD, and Italy’s “League,” according to Euronews.
Investigators are examining how EU funds were spent between 2019 and 2024. According to European media reports, the amount in question is approximately 4.3 million euros. Contracts with contractors and expenses for communication services that may not have been related to the work of the European Parliament are being examined.
Jordan Bardella, president of France’s “National Rally,” said that searches were conducted at the offices and homes of companies that had worked with his party. He called the investigation yet another attempt to exert political pressure.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office itself has not disclosed any details. It has only confirmed that the investigative actions are related to possible harm to the financial interests of the European Union. No arrests or charges have been reported so far.
The investigation concerns the now-defunct “Identity and Democracy” faction, which disbanded after the 2024 European Parliament elections. It was replaced by the “Patriots for Europe” group, which became the largest coalition of right-wing and Euroskeptic parties in the European Parliament.
This new case has emerged at a particularly sensitive time for the French far right. According to the latest polls, the “National Rally” remains the frontrunner in the 2027 presidential race.
Meanwhile, as early as next week, the Paris Court of Appeals is set to rule on another high-profile case—involving the fictitious employment of assistants to Members of the European Parliament. If the court upholds the ban on Marine Le Pen running for elected office, Bardella will almost certainly become the party’s leading candidate in the presidential election.
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