Brussels’ Party Ban Push Turns the AfD Fight Into an EU Democracy Test

The EU’s battle with the AfD is moving into a new and explosive phase. As the party surges to record levels in Germany and opens up a seven-point lead over the CDU/CSU, Brussels is now looking at whether the AfD-linked Europe of Sovereign Nations party can remain recognised at EU level. Michael Heaver looks at the growing pressure around the AfD, from German MPs pushing for a domestic ban to the suspended extremist designation that could have allowed wider surveillance and interception of private messages. He then turns to the Brussels watchdog examining whether the Europe of Sovereign Nations party complies with EU values. If it is stripped of party status and funding, the move would raise serious questions about how far the EU is willing to go against insurgent parties gaining democratic support.