What is the Patriots for Europe group, the third-largest bloc in the European Parliament?

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Formed in mid-2024, the Patriots for Europe alliance represents a significant shift in the European Parliament. By uniting various right-wing and far-right parties under a shared sovereigntist agenda, the group seeks to reshape the continent's political landscape by challenging existing EU policies and advocating for a focus on national identity.

The Patriots for Europe group emerged following the 2024 European Parliament elections, officially launching on 30 June 2024. The alliance was spearheaded by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of Fidesz, former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš of ANO 2011, and figures from the Freedom Party of Austria, including Herbert Kickl and Harald Vilimsky. Their foundational document, the Patriotic Manifesto for a European Future, outlines a platform centered on limiting EU authority, prioritizing European cultural identity, opposing illegal immigration, and revising the European Green Deal.

To achieve official status as a political group in the European Parliament, an alliance must meet strict requirements: at least 23 members from a minimum of seven different EU member states. The Patriots reached this threshold on 6 July 2024. The group's composition includes parties that previously belonged to the Identity and Democracy faction, such as the French National Rally, the Dutch Party for Freedom, and the Italian Lega. Jordan Bardella of the National Rally was appointed as the group's president on 8 July 2024.

The formation process involved complex negotiations and notable exclusions. For instance, the German Alternative for Germany party was kept out of the alliance, reportedly due to objections from the National Rally and existing tensions with Fidesz. Meanwhile, other parties like Poland's Law and Justice chose to remain within the European Conservatives and Reformists group. The Patriots also aim to synchronize the efforts of their members across key European governing institutions, marking a strategic attempt to exert influence beyond the parliamentary chamber.

The group's growth has been iterative, with members like the Spanish Vox party and the Portuguese Chega joining in early July 2024. While some parties, such as the Slovakian Smer–SD, have engaged in discussions regarding potential membership, they have often cited ideological differences or strategic delays. As of late 2024, the group continues to solidify its position as a major force, representing a distinct challenge to the established political order within the European Union.

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