The EU’s political party watchdog has launched a process that could strip the far-right Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN) party—founded by Germany’s Alternative for Germany—of its official status and funding over alleged violations of EU values. The watchdog cited evidence including anti-immigration, antisemitic, and anti-LGBT rhetoric by member parties, as well as concerns over ties to Russia and extremist positions. If successful, the move would cut ESN’s EU funding and political-party status, though its parliamentary group and MEPs would remain in place. The ESN party, which includes nationalist parties from several EU countries, is due to receive more than €2 million in EU subsidies in 2026. Source: POLITICO