Czech, Hungarian and Austrian parties establishing “Patriots of Europe” faction in European Parliament

Andrej Babiš' ANO party, Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party and Austria's far-right FPÖ have announced the formation of a joint alliance in the European Parliament called “Patriots of Europe”.  According to Andrej Babiš the emphasis of the new grouping will be on patriotism, sovereignty and tradition.

"We have three main priorities that we share and that unite us - defence of sovereignty, the fight against illegal migration and opposition to the Green Deal," Mr. Babiš said. He stressed it was important to strengthen the sovereignty of each member state, for Brussels' migration policy to change and the protection of the EU's external borders to be strengthened.

The new alliance will need the support of parties from four other European Union states before it can be recognized as a group in the European Parliament.