Brussels, Belgium, 23 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Parliament searches conducted by European Union prosecutors in Brussels and Strasbourg on 21 October have brought renewed attention to allegations of financial irregularities involving the former Identity and Democracy (ID) political group.
The searches took place in administrative offices associated with Patriots for Europe, the Parliament’s third-largest political grouping. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) confirmed that investigators had searched premises in Belgium and France as part of an ongoing inquiry into the use of EU funds by a former parliamentary group.
European Parliament searches linked to EU funding investigation
The operation followed allegations that Identity and Democracy improperly used millions of euros in European Parliament funding during the 2019–2024 legislative term.
According to reporting based on the Parliament’s financial findings, approximately €4.3 million in expenditure was identified as irregular. The concerns include donations to organisations and procurement arrangements involving companies associated with political networks.
Investigators searched offices in both Brussels and Strasbourg, where the European Parliament conducts its activities.
Belgian media reported that searches included an office associated with Philip Claeys, a Vlaams Belang politician who served as secretary-general of Identity and Democracy during the previous parliamentary term.
The EPPO has not publicly identified individual suspects or disclosed the full scope of evidence collected during the latest operation.
Patriots for Europe rejects responsibility
Patriots for Europe acknowledged the searches but disputed suggestions that it should be held legally responsible for its predecessor’s activities.
In its statement, the group maintained that there was no legal continuity between Patriots for Europe and Identity and Democracy, which dissolved following the 2024 European elections.
The group also stated that it was not involved in the ongoing investigation.
The European Parliament’s press service confirmed its cooperation with the relevant authorities but declined to provide additional details about the investigation.
The EPPO similarly said that further information would not be released at this stage to protect the proceedings.
Background to the €4.3 million funding allegations
Identity and Democracy operated as a political group during the European Parliament’s previous legislative term.
Its membership included representatives from France’s National Rally, Italy’s League and other nationalist parties.
After the 2024 European elections, several parties previously associated with ID joined the newly established Patriots for Europe group, alongside other political organisations.
The financial investigation emerged following scrutiny of parliamentary expenditure between 2019 and 2024.
European Parliament financial findings raised concerns about spending on outside organisations and contracts awarded through allegedly irregular procedures.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office subsequently began examining whether any conduct amounted to criminal misuse of European Union funds.
Why the investigation matters for Belgium and Europe
The investigation raises important questions about the oversight of public funding provided to political groups represented in the European Parliament.
These funds support legitimate administrative activities, parliamentary work and political group operations.
However, spending must comply with financial rules designed to protect taxpayers’ money and prevent the improper financing of unrelated activities.
The case also presents a question about financial responsibility when an established parliamentary group dissolves and members subsequently join another political organisation.
Parliamentary authorities have considered whether Patriots for Europe could be required to repay expenditure attributed to its predecessor. Such liability remains a separate question from criminal responsibility.
For Belgian and European taxpayers, the outcome could influence how parliamentary spending rules are enforced and how financial accountability is maintained between legislative terms.
What happens next in the EU funds investigation?
The EPPO’s investigation remains ongoing, and prosecutors have not announced a timetable for completing their examination.
Investigators may assess documents and other evidence obtained during the searches before deciding whether further proceedings are justified.
No finding of criminal guilt should be inferred from the searches or the financial allegations.
Any decision concerning prosecution or financial recovery will depend on the applicable legal procedures and evidence.
The case remains an important test of financial accountability within the European Parliament as authorities examine the use of public money by political organisations.
