Revealed: CDU/CSU’s EVP Faction Collaborated with Far-Right AfD in European Parliament Migration Policy Deal

New evidence has emerged confirming close cooperation between Germany's CDU/CSU European People's Party (EVP) faction and far-right parties including the AfD in the European Parliament. Internal chats and meetings uncovered by a Deutsche Presse-Agentur investigation show that this alliance formed a WhatsApp group and met in person to formulate a legislative proposal tightening migration policy. This proposal, which passed with a majority including votes from AfD members, enables the deportation of asylum seekers to “Return Hubs” established outside the EU.

Manfred Weber, EVP faction leader, had previously denied any structured cooperation with far-right forces, describing AfD as anti-European. CDU MEP Lena Düpont acknowledged the votes but denied formal collaboration. However, the revelation surfaces amid months of stalemate among the EVP, Social Democrats, and Liberals on migration policies, prompting the EVP to engage with right-wing factions to break the deadlock.

The political fallout has been swift and severe. German EU politicians vocalized concern and condemnation. Erik Marquardt of the Greens warned that involving far-right extremists risks eroding liberal democracies in Europe. FDP's Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann accused Weber of damaging public trust through covert cooperation, while SPD representatives René Repasi and Tim Klüssendorf labeled the revelations as scandalous and demanded accountability, questioning whether Weber and Düpont were aware of the WhatsApp group's activities.

Critics argue this cooperation threatens democratic processes by legitimizing far-right agendas. The migration law's centerpiece concept, "Return Hubs," has sparked additional debate over humanitarian and legal grounds. As of now, Weber and EVP representatives have not fully addressed calls for explanation. The political scandal raises urgent questions about transparency and alliances within the European Parliament influencing Germany's stance on migration and democratic integrity.