The EPP group in the EU Parliament has closely cooperated with the AfD and other right-wing parties on a proposal to tighten migration policy, as dpa research reveals. This occurred in a WhatsApp group and a meeting on March 4. The proposal for 'Return Hubs' gained a majority in the committee with support from right-wing MEPs.
The EPP group, including CDU and CSU MEPs, has cooperated more closely with right-wing factions than previously known, according to reports from the German Press Agency (dpa). The focus was a proposal to tighten migration policy, which would enable the deportation of asylum seekers to 'Return Hubs' outside the EU. The project stalled for months as EPP, Social Democrats, and Liberals failed to agree. In early March, a WhatsApp group was created where the EPP presented the proposal to right-wing groups—including ECR, PfE, and ESN with AfD MEPs. Staff from the right-wing factions suggested changes, some of which the EPP adopted, including proposals from AfD politician Mary Khan on age checks for asylum seekers via medical tests. On March 4, MEPs from the involved groups met: EPP's François-Xavier Bellamy, Khan (AfD/ESN), Marieke Ehlers (PfE), and Charlie Weimers (ECR). After the meeting, the group message read: 'Many thanks for this excellent cooperation.' Shortly thereafter, the proposal gained a majority in the committee, supported by EPP and right-wing MEPs. An EPP spokesperson emphasized there were no substantial changes and AfD MEPs were 'irrelevant.' EPP leader Manfred Weber stated at the end of last year: 'The firewall stands. We know who our enemies are.' CDU MEP Lena Düpont denied any structured cooperation. The revelation has sparked criticism: SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf called it 'scandalous' and demanded explanations from Weber. Greens MEP Erik Marquardt warned: 'Involving right-wing extremists in democratic processes will be the beginning of the end for liberal democracies in Europe.' FDP politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann described it as a 'serious political mistake.' Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) promotes the 'Return Hubs' to relieve the asylum system, while critics see risks to refugees' fundamental rights. The debate echoes the 'firewall' controversy in Germany, where CSU leader Markus Söder and CDU leader Friedrich Merz reject cooperation with the AfD.
