The rise and dissolution of Europe's most prominent Eurosceptic bloc

Science · Published 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In the halls of the European Parliament, one group championed the radical idea of dismantling the Union itself. From its populist roots to its eventual collapse, the Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy (EFDD) serves as a masterclass in the volatile mechanics of political realignment and ideological shifts.

The EFDD emerged as a significant Eurosceptic and populist force in the European Parliament, specifically during the 8th term starting in 2014. Its primary objective was the reduction or total dissolution of the European Union. The group was heavily anchored by the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), which provided 24 of the group's 47 MEPs in 2017. Led by Nigel Farage, the bloc became a central vehicle for advocating the UK's immediate withdrawal from the EU. The group's history was marked by extreme instability and frequent membership turnover. It faced significant challenges in reforming after 2014 as many previous members defected or failed to get re-elected. Its official standing faced jeopardy in October 2014 following one Latvian MEP's exit, as maintaining membership necessitated presence from 25% of EU Member States. It also navigated internal fractures, such as the Italian Five Star Movement's attempt to leave the group in 2017, which was only thwarted by a threat of a €250,000 fine from party leader Beppe Grillo. The EFDD ultimately dissolved on June 26, 2019, after failing to register for the 9th European Parliament. Its demise was precipitated by the launch of the Brexit Party by Nigel Farage and the migration of most former members to the Identity and Democracy political group. The group's legacy remains tied to its advocacy for direct democracy and its vocal stance on issues like the Catalan independence referendum, where it argued for intervention to protect the right to vote despite legal restrictions.

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