Right-wing lawmakers in the European Parliament recently pushed for the funding of “external physical barriers” at the EU border as part of the 2025 budget discussions. The proposal, which was put forth by members of the Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN) group, gained support from various far-right groups and even some members of the largest group in the Parliament, the European People’s Party (EPP). However, the resolution as a whole was eventually voted down, leading to criticism from centrists and socialists.
The attempt to include funding for physical barriers at the EU border sparked outrage among those who support European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Romanian socialist Victor Negrescu accused the EPP of aligning with far-right groups and seeking alternative majorities, which he believed undermined the majority coalition that had previously backed von der Leyen.
Members of Renew Europe, a centrist group, also criticized the EPP’s decision to support the funding of physical barriers, with Fabienne Keller stating that it jeopardized the majority built to support von der Leyen as Commission president. The EPP, however, highlighted the Parliament’s decision to increase funding for the Border Management and Visa Instrument as a positive outcome of the budget discussions.
Overall, the push for funding of physical barriers at the EU border highlighted divisions within the European Parliament and brought into question the alliances and priorities of various political groups. The resolution was ultimately rejected, but the fallout from the debate emphasized the challenges of finding consensus on immigration and border security issues in the EU.
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