In a recent development, a new far-right group called Europe of Sovereign Nations has been founded in the European Parliament, according to its newly-elected leader. The alliance, led by Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Poland's Confederation, comprises a total of 25 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). The group also includes MEPs from Bulgaria's Revival, France's Reconquête, Slovakia's Republic Movement, Hungary's Our Home Movement, Lithuania's People and Justice Union, and the Czech Republic's Freedom and Direct Democracy.

This announcement comes just days after the formation of another far-right group, Patriots for Europe, which was created by Marine Le Pen's National Rally and Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party. The Patriots for Europe group largely replaced the disbanded Identity & Democracy group. However, the Europe of Sovereign Nations group promises to be more radical than its counterpart.

Centrist and left-wing political groups are expected to impose a cordon sanitaire on both new groups, aiming to block their members from holding influential positions within the European Parliament for the next five years. As a result, the so-called Sovereignists may face limitations in their ability to influence legislation. Nevertheless, one of the group leaders will have the privilege of attending the powerful Conference of Presidents meetings, which determine the Parliament's agenda and handle its internal affairs.

The formation of the Europe of Sovereign Nations holds significance for AfD as it found itself in a political predicament when excluded from the Identity & Democracy group prior to the EU election. This exclusion followed a scandal involving comments made by Maximilian Krah, an AfD MEP, concerning the Nazi era. Christine Anderson, an AfD MEP chosen to be the group's chief whip, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the founding meeting, describing it as going "extremely well."

The group will be led by René Aust from AfD and Stanisław Tyszka from Poland's Confederation, who will serve as co-presidents. Notably, Krah, the controversial lead candidate for the EU election from AfD, is not a member of the new group and remains unaffiliated. However, Krah expressed delight at the creation of the Europe of Sovereign Nations, stating that it marked the realization of a long-standing project and harboring no resentment for not being included.

Dietmar Holzfeind, former deputy chief secretary-general of the disbanded Identity & Democracy grouping, has been appointed as the new group's secretary-general. Speaking about the formation of the Europe of Sovereign Nations, Aust explained that the group has come together with the goal of exerting a significant impact on Europe's political future through decisive action and strategic planning. He added that their choice to embark on this path is driven by the necessity to realize a shared vision of a strong, united, and forward-looking Europe of Fatherlands.

It remains to be seen how these new far-right groups will navigate the political landscape within the European Parliament and whether they will be able to achieve their desired influence over the legislative process.