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| Europe of Nations and Freedom | |
|---|---|
| Name | Europe of Nations and Freedom |
| Type | Political group |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Dissolved | 2019 |
| Predecessor | United for a Europe of Nations Identity, Tradition, Sovereignty |
| Successor | Alternative for Germany–aligned formations |
| Ideology | Euroscepticism; national conservatism; right-wing populism |
| Seats | Varies by legislature |
Europe of Nations and Freedom was a right-wing political group in the European Parliament formed in June 2015 and active during the eighth European Parliament (2014–2019). It brought together nationalist and Eurosceptic delegations from parties such as National Rally (France), Lega Nord, Freedom Party of Austria, and Party for Freedom (Netherlands), aiming to coordinate positions on treaties like the Treaty of Lisbon and debates on the Schengen Agreement and European migrant crisis. The group engaged with institutions including the European Commission, the European Council, and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs while contesting initiatives by figures such as Jean-Claude Juncker, Angela Merkel, and Emmanuel Macron.
The formation followed fracturing of alliances after the 2014 elections when delegations from movements like Front National leaders sought new cooperation beyond ties to the European Conservatives and Reformists and the Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy. In the wake of high-profile events—such as the 2015 European migrant crisis, the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum, and the 2017 French presidential election—the group consolidated positions with input from delegations tied to personalities like Marine Le Pen, Matteo Salvini, Geert Wilders, and Heinz-Christian Strache. The group participated in intergroup negotiations for committee assignments alongside blocs such as the European People's Party (European Democrats), the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party.
The grouping espoused policies resonant with national conservatism and right-wing populism, opposing deeper integration under treaties like the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe and critiquing the policies of the European Central Bank, the Eurogroup, and monetary union rules formulated after the Greek government-debt crisis. Its platform emphasized control of external borders under regimes like the Dublin Regulation and called for restrictive measures in response to incidents linked to the 2015 Paris attacks and the 2016 Nice truck attack. The group's stance referenced historical frames including reactions to the Treaty of Maastricht and debates around sovereignty evoked by figures such as Václav Klaus and Boris Johnson.
Members included prominent parties and movements: National Rally (France), Lega Nord, Freedom Party of Austria, Party for Freedom (Netherlands), Flemish Interest, Alternative für Deutschland, Finns Party, and delegations linked to Czech Sovereignty movements. Affiliates engaged with think tanks and platforms such as Identità Europea and organizations connected to politicians like Jean-Marie Le Pen, Jörg Haider (historical legacy), Pieter Omtzigt (contextual), and Santiago Abascal (allied networks). The grouping coordinated with national parliamentary groups in states including Italy, France, Austria, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Finland, and Czech Republic.
The group's structure featured a presidency and spokespersons drawn from leading delegations; notable leaders included representatives associated with Marine Le Pen, Matteo Salvini, and Geert Wilders who negotiated with institutional chairs such as the President of the European Parliament and committee chairs. Administrative interactions occurred with the European Parliament's Conference of Presidents and staff in the Bureau of the European Parliament. The group maintained liaison with national party offices, campaign apparatuses for events like the 2019 European Parliament election, and coordinated media strategies referencing outlets such as Euractiv and Politico Europe.
During the 2014–2019 term, members achieved variable results across member states, performing strongly in contests including the 2014 European Parliament election (France), the 2014 European Parliament election (Italy), the 2014 European Parliament election (Netherlands), and later influencing outcomes in the 2019 European Parliament election. The group’s presence affected coalition math in votes on resolutions concerning the Refugee Crisis, the EU–Turkey Statement, the Stability and Growth Pact, and sanctions debated in relation to Russia. National successes for affiliates translated into shifts in delegations, as seen with impacts after the 2016 Austrian presidential election dynamics and the rise of parties in the 2017 Dutch general election context.
The group attracted criticism from entities such as the European Commission, the Council of Europe, and NGOs including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International for positions on migration, minority rights, and references to historical controversies tied to figures like Jean-Marie Le Pen and allegations traced to earlier incidents involving Golden Dawn and Jobbik (comparative references). Media outlets including The Guardian, Le Monde, and Der Spiegel scrutinized funding, alleged ties to foreign actors related to debates on Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections and contacts involving intermediaries linked to Yevgeny Prigozhin-associated networks. Parliamentary responses involved censure motions and debates in the European Parliament over immunity waivers and code-of-conduct inquiries.