‘The current accusations follow an investigation initiated by the European Parliament’s Budgetary Control Committee against the right-wing group, after allegations of earlier mismanagement surfaced. The group might also be found liable for 4.3 million EUR allegedly misused by the now-defunct Identity and Democracy (ID) group.’

The EU’s proposed budget reforms could significantly reshape how rule-of-law sanctions are imposed on Member States. While supporters argue the changes would strengthen oversight by giving governments a greater role, critics warn they may expand Brussels’ ability to withhold funding and deepen the use of financial pressure in both existing and future member states.

As US-led mediation efforts fade, European leaders are signalling a willingness to take a more active role in pursuing peace between Ukraine and Russia. Kyiv is rallying support for renewed talks, but Moscow remains sceptical of European involvement. With fighting continuing and fresh EU funding flowing to Ukraine, the prospects for diplomacy remain uncertain.

While Germany debates banning AfD, an EU authority has taken formal steps that could lead to the deregistration of the Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN), the European party to which AfD belongs. The unprecedented procedure raises questions about political pluralism, the independence of the decision-making process, and the EU’s growing willingness to sanction political opponents.

A proposed constitutional amendment by Hungary’s governing Tisza party triggered backlash after initially seeking to remove references to protecting the country’s ‘Christian culture’ from the Basic Law. The government later revised the proposal, insisting the changes were aimed only at abolishing the Sovereignty Protection Office, amid criticism that the original amendment could weaken Hungary’s migration policy and constitutional identity.

The new Hungarian government appears increasingly willing to ease Kyiv’s path toward EU membership, marking a sharp departure from the previous administration’s stance on Ukraine. As accession talks advance, critics warn that once negotiations formally begin, it may become politically difficult for any single Member State to halt Ukraine’s entry into the bloc.

Greek authorities warn that up to 550,000 migrants may be preparing to cross from Libya into Europe as arrivals through Crete continue to rise. Combined with instability in Iran and the implementation of the EU’s Migration Pact, the growing pressure is reigniting debate over Europe’s border security, deportation policy, and migrant redistribution system.

‘The sharp contrast between Angelika Niebler’s case and that of the French National Rally has led some to highlight what they see as politically motivated double standards applied by the EP against right-wing parties.’

Greek MPs have waived immunity amid an European Public Prosecutor’s Office probe into misused EU farm funds. The scandal cost minister Konstantinos Tsiaras his post. Athens accuses EPPO of political bias as scrutiny widens and past EU probes raise doubts about its effectiveness.

‘As of now, the Age Verification App is a voluntary tool for both digital platforms and users. However, often the EU’s “voluntary” tools soon become mandatory dictates.’