EU prosecutors raid far‑right group offices in Brussels and Strasbourg

European Public Prosecutor’s Office searches took place at the European Parliament’s Brussels and Strasbourg offices on Wednesday in connection with an investigation into alleged misuse of EU funds by the previous Identity and Democracy group.

The searches are tied to an inquiry into the alleged misappropriation of millions of euros by Identity and Democracy between 2019 and 2024. The newly formed Patriots for Europe group said it has no legal continuity with Identity and Democracy and denied involvement in the ongoing investigation.

The Parliament confirmed the searches and stated it cooperates with relevant authorities while offering no further comment. Jean‑Paul Garraud wrote on X that the searches targeted the offices of former Identity and Democracy staff members.

An opinion from the Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control approved last September argued that funds wrongly spent by Identity and Democracy should be repaid by Patriots for Europe once the investigation is closed, noting that under Parliament rules a successor group can be treated as liable if certain conditions are met.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The searches by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office underscore the continuation of scrutiny into alleged financial irregularities linked to the dissolved Identity and Democracy group and the potential financial implications for its successor formations. The Parliament’s prior Committee on Budgetary Control opinion frames a possible path for repayment claims against Patriots for Europe depending on findings from the investigation and the application of parliamentary rules on group succession.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Searches by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office were carried out at the European Parliament’s Brussels and Strasbourg offices on Wednesday.
• The investigations relate to alleged misappropriation of EU funds by the Identity and Democracy group between 2019 and 2024.
• Patriots for Europe stated it has no legal continuity with Identity and Democracy and denied involvement in the investigation.
• The Parliament confirmed cooperation with authorities but provided no further details about the searches.
• An opinion by the Committee on Budgetary Control recommended that wrongly spent funds by Identity and Democracy could be repaid by Patriots for Europe if conditions on successor liability are met.