EPP’s Weber Faces Scrutiny Over Collaboration with AfD on Migration Policy

Manfred Weber, President of the European People’s Party (EPP), is defending himself against accusations that his group collaborated with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) on migration policy. The controversy stems from a report by the German Press Agency (dpa) revealing internal communications suggesting cooperation on tightening asylum laws, a move that contradicts Weber’s public statements regarding the AfD.

Internal Chats Reveal Collaboration

According to the dpa investigation, EPP employees engaged in a WhatsApp group with representatives from the AfD and other right-wing factions to discuss and draft legislation related to asylum policy. Specifically, the discussions centered on a law intended to enable the deportation of asylum seekers to “Return Hubs” established outside the European Union. The EPP employees reportedly offered support for amendments, such as those concerning age verification of asylum seekers, with one exchange concluding with a clapping-hands emoji.

Weber Denies Structured Cooperation

Weber has consistently maintained that there is no “structured cooperation” with the AfD, describing the party as anti-European. He stated he was unaware of and did not approve the WhatsApp group discussions among his staff. However, the revelation comes amid a period of stalemate between the EPP, Social Democrats, and Liberals on migration policies, leading the EPP to seek support from right-wing factions to overcome the deadlock.

Previous Alignments on Policy

The EPP has previously formed majorities with right-wing groups on several occasions in recent months to tighten asylum laws and dismantle environmental regulations. Weber has justified these alliances by arguing that the Social Democrats are blocking necessary legislation to address migration challenges in Europe. He has also expressed frustration that the SPD has not yielded on key issues.

Coalition Unrest in Germany

The WhatsApp group revelations have caused unrest within the German governing coalition. The SPD is demanding a thorough investigation into the extent of the agreements with right-wing extremists and is urging the CDU/CSU to reaffirm its commitment to its stated red lines. Dirk Wiese, first parliamentary managing director of the SPD parliamentary group, emphasized the SPD’s rejection of cooperation with the extreme right, including the AfD.

The AfD and Right-Wing Factions in the European Parliament

The European Parliament features three distinct right-wing factions. The AfD belongs to the “Europe of Sovereign Nations” group, considered to be on the far-right fringe. The “European Conservatives and Reformers” (ECR), led by Giorgia Meloni’s Fratelli d’Italia, are increasingly viewed as a constructive force. However, the “Patriots” group, founded by Viktor Orbán and Marine Le Pen, holds significant influence and is actively working to dismantle the firewall against cooperation with the AfD.

The Return Regulation

The draft law at the center of the controversy, which proposes the introduction of return centers outside of Europe, was initially presented by the European Commission in March of the previous year. While member states have reached a consensus on the proposal, the European Parliament had yet to finalize negotiations. The EPP’s engagement with right-wing factions occurred when it became clear that a compromise with the Social Democrats was unlikely.

The EPP maintains that the AfD’s votes were not crucial to the passage of the legislation in the parliamentary committee and that the agreed-upon text largely aligns with the original proposal from the EU Commission and the position adopted by the Council of Member States. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) played a key role in brokering the compromise within the Council.