The European Parliament’s Bureau is awaiting the EPPO’s findings after a committee opinion said Patriots for Europe could be treated as Identity and Democracy’s economic successor for possible recovery of €4.33 million.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) confirmed searches at European Parliament premises in France and Belgium on Wednesday, Oct. 21, as part of an ongoing inquiry into the use of EU funds by a former parliamentary group. It did not name the group or describe what investigators sought. The office said further details could endanger the proceedings.
Patriots for Europe said its administrative offices in Brussels and Strasbourg were searched. The group said the searches appeared linked to a complaint concerning its predecessor, Identity and Democracy (ID), which was dissolved in 2024. It said it is not involved in the ongoing investigation and has no legal continuity with ID.
EconoTimes previously covered the searches and the separate spending review.
A Sept. 4, 2025, opinion from the European Parliament’s Budgetary Control Committee cited a Parliament administrative review that found at least €4,333,635.78 in budget item 400 appropriations had been “unduly spent” by ID during the 2019–2024 term. The opinion also noted procurement shortcomings. The review was administrative and did not amount to a criminal judgment.
For recovery purposes, the committee said the evidence could justify treating Patriots for Europe as ID’s economic successor if no contrary evidence is presented. A later Parliament discharge report says the Bureau wants the EPPO inquiry’s outcome before taking recovery action. It gives no date for a decision.
DW reported that ID included France’s National Rally, Germany’s Alternative for Germany, Austria’s Freedom Party and Italy’s Lega. DW also reported that several ID parties joined Patriots for Europe after the 2024 elections, while Alternative for Germany did not.
