Brussels watchdog reviews AfD's EU party over values concern

The watchdog overseeing European political parties has found indications that Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN), a far-right party alliance co-founded by the Alternative for Germany (AfD), may have violated the EU's fundamental values.

The European Commission has received a letter from the authority setting out the available facts, a commission spokesman confirmed to dpa. The European Parliament and EU member states also received the document.

ESN could lose its status as an EU-level political party, along with access to EU funding, if a formal review finds clear and serious violations.

The commission spokesman said the letter was currently being examined carefully.

The European Parliament, EU member states or the European Commission can decide whether to request a formal investigation.

The transmission of the information does not amount to a decision and does not indicate the outcome of any possible review procedure.