AfD Seeks Closer Alignment with Marine Le Pen's Rassemblement National on EU Policy

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is actively working to bridge political differences with Marine Le Pen's Rassemblement National (RN) following the AfD's 2024 expulsion from the European Parliament's Identity and Democracy faction. AfD's recent policy paper outlines a vision for the European Union focused on limiting the EU’s role to essential functions such as border protection and economic cooperation, while retaining the euro currency.

AfD co-leader Alice Weidel has publicly advocated for Germany's exit from the Schengen Agreement to bolster border security — a stance not explicitly mentioned in the party's policy document but underscoring their emphasis on national sovereignty. The paper calls for EU treaty reforms to allow EU law to supersede national laws in specific areas yet insists on opt-outs concerning policies like asylum distribution and firmly rejects the establishment of any transfer union.

Differences remain between AfD and RN, particularly regarding the European Central Bank; while Le Pen supports the ECB backing French debt, the AfD pushes for strict neutrality in monetary policy. Adding to the political complexity, the European Prosecutor's Office is investigating former members of the now-expelled Identity and Democracy faction for alleged embezzlement of 4.3 million euros in public funds.

This strategic shift by the AfD signals a bid to realign itself within the European right-wing landscape, emphasizing strong border controls and EU reform, while still navigating significant policy divergences with Le Pen’s party.