European prosecutors search far-right Patriots’ parliamentary offices
European prosecutors searched Patriots for Europe staff offices as part of an inquiry into alleged misuse of EU funds by the former Identity and Democracy group. The October 21 searches concern spending during the previous parliamentary term. Patriots denies legal continuity with the dissolved group, while parliamentary rules leave that question relevant to potential recovery of funds.
Geopolitics··Morning
Searches target parliamentary staff offices
Officials acting for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office searched staff offices of Patriots for Europe, a far-right parliamentary group, on October 21. Searches took place at the European Parliament’s buildings in Brussels and Strasbourg. Parliament confirmed a connection with an investigation into alleged misuse of European Union funds by Identity and Democracy, a former far-right group. Its press service said it was cooperating with authorities.[1], [2]
Patriots disputes succession from the old group
The inquiry concerns spending in the 2019–2024 legislative term and allegations involving more than four million euros. Identity and Democracy dissolved after the 2024 European elections. Many constituent parties joined Patriots for Europe. The new group said the searches appeared linked to complaints against the dissolved organization, denied legal continuity with it and said it was not involved in the ongoing inquiry.[1]
Parliamentary rules address recovery from successors
Parliament’s budgetary control committee argued in a September opinion that improperly spent funds should be recovered from a successor group when the inquiry concludes. Rules consider whether members, premises, computer systems, accounts or other assets moved into a new grouping. Public claims of direct succession and restructuring apparently intended to escape liabilities can also matter. No decision establishing succession or guilt was announced.[1]
