A simmering dispute within the European Parliament threatens to derail a planned delegation to Ukraine, exposing deep divisions over political alliances and security concerns. The trip, intended to demonstrate solidarity with Kyiv amidst ongoing conflict, has become entangled in a contentious debate regarding the inclusion of members from the far-right European Solidarity Group (ESG).
According to sources within multiple parliamentary factions, the conservative European People’s Party (EPP), which includes the CDU and CSU, is reportedly pushing to allow an ESG member to participate, despite reservations from the liberal Renew Europe and Social Democrats. The ESG, comprised of the most radical of the three right-wing factions within the parliament and including the Alternative for Germany (AfD), has previously triggered anxieties regarding potential security risks.
Kyiv itself recently issued warnings about potential security vulnerabilities should AfD politician Hans Neuhoff, a member of the ESG, be part of the delegation. These concerns led to the cancellation of several planned high-level meetings and prompted Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chair of the European Parliament’s Defence Committee, to reschedule the trip, initially excluding ESG members.
Tensions flared during a meeting of faction secretaries last week, where Renew Europe, Social Democrats and the Greens voiced support for the revised itinerary. However, the ESG and the EPP reportedly opposed it. Despite assurances that the issue would be revisited, the EPP unexpectedly reversed its position at a subsequent staff-level discussion.
EPP representatives claim their opposition isn’t motivated by a desire to exclude the ESG entirely, asserting that procedural rules were not followed. They suggest that while Neuhoff’s participation is problematic, another member from the ESG could be acceptable. However, Renew Europe representatives strongly reject this argument, characterizing the EPP’s stance as a pretext and asserting that all right-wing nationalist members of the ESG represent a tangible security threat to Ukraine.
The deadlock highlights the complex political landscape within the European Parliament and raises questions about the extent to which ideological considerations are influencing a mission intended to underscore European solidarity with a nation facing existential threats. The episode risks undermining the credibility of the delegation and further complicating the EU’s relationship with Kyiv.