The case focuses on the ID faction, which in the previous parliamentary term included parties such as the French Rassemblement National, the German AfD, and the Dutch PVV. Within this ID faction, Members of the European Parliament allegedly redirected funds intended for personnel or communication to party-related organizations.
The investigation focuses on alleged misuse of parliamentary subsidies, including money for the appointment of faction staff. There are indications that these funds were not spent on parliamentary work but were used to support national campaigns and ideological networks. The involved organizations are said to have served party-political goals, contrary to the conditions of EU financing.
In France, particular attention is given to the role of former Rassemblement National staff, including a former senior advisor. These individuals are believed to have been involved in setting up the schemes and directing money flows between Brussels and France. French justice authorities are working closely with the European Public Prosecutor's Office on this matter.
Although the investigation currently focuses on the previous term of the European Parliament, it is not excluded that the current composition of involved parties will also be scrutinized. For now, however, the investigation concentrates on events and money flows between 2016 and 2022.
The involved Members of the European Parliament deny any form of fraud or misuse. They claim that the expenditures took place within the boundaries of EU regulations. The investigation is still in its early stages and so far no official charges have been filed.