Identity and Democracy

Identity and Democracy. It is a political group in the European Parliament, formed in June 2019 as a successor to the Europe of Nations and Freedom group. The group is predominantly composed of nationalist, right-wing populist, and Eurosceptic parties from across the European Union, advocating for the primacy of national sovereignty and identity over further European integration.

History

The formation of this group was announced on 13 June 2019, following the 2019 European Parliament election, which saw significant gains for many of its constituent parties. It succeeded the smaller Europe of Nations and Freedom group, which had been established during the previous parliamentary term. Key founding members included Marine Le Pen's National Rally from France, Matteo Salvini's League from Italy, and the Alternative for Germany. The group's creation was part of a broader realignment of right-wing forces within the European Parliament, distinct from the larger European Conservatives and Reformists group. Its inaugural meeting was held in Brussels, solidifying its status as a formal parliamentary group under the rules of the European Parliament.

Ideology and political positions

The group's core ideology is anchored in national conservatism and right-wing populism, with a strong emphasis on Euroscepticism. It promotes the concept of a "Europe of Nations," opposing further political and fiscal integration within the European Union and advocating for the restoration of national sovereignty in areas like border control and monetary policy. Key policy positions include strict opposition to illegal immigration, criticism of multiculturalism, and advocacy for traditional values. The group is generally critical of globalist institutions and policies, often positioning itself against the European Green Deal and the expansion of European Union competences. It supports strengthened cooperation on security and counter-terrorism but on an intergovernmental basis rather than through supranational European Union mechanisms.

Member parties and representation

The group comprises a coalition of national parties from multiple European Union member states. Its largest delegations come from the National Rally in France, the League in Italy, and the Freedom Party of Austria. Other significant member parties include the Party for Freedom in the Netherlands, the Flemish Interest in Belgium, the Danish People's Party, and the Alternative for Germany. The group also includes representatives from the Finns Party and the Estonian Conservative People's Party. Representation extends across major European Union institutions, with members serving on committees such as the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety within the European Parliament.

Leadership and organization

The group is presided over by Marine Le Pen, the president of the National Rally. Day-to-day coordination is managed by a secretariat based in Brussels. The group operates with a presidency or bureau comprising leaders from its major national delegations, including figures like Matteo Salvini and Heinz-Christian Strache. It functions according to the Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament, holding regular meetings to coordinate voting strategies and political initiatives. Financial and administrative resources are allocated to the group by the European Parliament in accordance with its size, which it distributes among its constituent national delegations for operational support.

Electoral performance

The group was launched with 73 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) following the 2019 European Parliament election, making it the fourth-largest group in the chamber. Its constituent parties performed strongly in several national contests, with the League winning over 34% of the Italian vote and the National Rally narrowly edging out La République En Marche! in France. Subsequent national elections have seen fluctuating fortunes; for instance, the Alternative for Germany maintained a significant presence in the Bundestag, while the Freedom Party of Austria entered a governing coalition following the 2019 Austrian legislative election. The group's cohesion is periodically tested by internal policy disagreements and the varying electoral trajectories of its member parties across the European Union.

Category:Political groups of the European Parliament Category:Right-wing political groups in Europe Category:2019 establishments in the European Union