AfD plans fundamental reform of the EU and euro instead of leaving
Quick Look
- The AfD is moving away from the demand for an immediate German exit from the Eurosystem and is instead focusing on a fundamental reform of the EU and the monetary union.
- This emerges from a new strategy paper reported by Bild-Zeitung.
- The party advocates a reorganization of the EU into a 'federation of sovereign nations' and calls, among other things, for an end to indirect ECB government financing, the balancing of TARGET balances and an insolvency regime for member states.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The AfD had previously called for Germany to leave the Eurosystem immediately. The party is now focusing on a fundamental reform of the EU and the monetary union, as can be seen from a new strategy paper that was discussed on September 29th at a meeting of members of the European Parliament, the Bundestag and the state parliaments.
The European politicians of the AfD are moving away from the earlier demand for an immediate German exit from the Eurosystem and are instead relying on a fundamental restructuring of the EU and the monetary union. This is reported by the Bild newspaper, citing a new AfD strategy paper.
In it, the party calls for a reorganization of the EU into a “federation of sovereign nations” and for comprehensive reforms of the common currency. In the paper, the AfD initially calls for a fundamental reform of the EU and the euro. If these efforts fail, the population will have to decide on “Germany’s future European and monetary policy path.”
The paper was discussed on September 29th at a meeting of members of the European Parliament, the Bundestag and the state parliaments. When it comes to the euro, AfD politicians criticize the existing construction as an aberration, Bild continues. The monetary union "in effect led to a debt and liability union through the back door." Among other things, demands are for an end to “indirect ECB state financing”, the balancing of TARGET balances and an insolvency regime for member states. The aim is to place the euro “on a stable foundation of personal responsibility and liability”.
AfD wants exceptions in migration policy
For the EU, the party is calling for a clear shift of responsibilities back to the nation states. The EU should focus primarily on the "effective protection of Europe's external borders, the common internal market, the cross-border fight against crime and cooperation and coordination in security policy issues." The AfD also calls for national exceptions, so-called opt-outs, for example in migration, social and financial policy.
Institutional changes are also suggested. The AfD politicians spoke out in favor of abolishing direct elections to the European Parliament. The MPs should instead be sent from the national parliaments. According to Bild, the paper says: "Each national parliament elects its delegates according to the majority in its own country and thus brings democratic legitimacy directly into the work of European committees."
René Aust, President of the ESN parliamentary group, of which the AfD is part of the EU Parliament, told Bild: “With the position paper we show that we are a Europe-friendly party. We want to work with our neighbors.«
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The AfD will present its reform proposals in future EU debates.
Likely · Within months
If EU reforms fail, there will be a public debate about Germany's future monetary policy path.
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- How likely is it that the proposed EU reforms will be implemented?
- What concrete steps is the AfD planning if the reforms fail?
- How do other EU member states and institutions react to the AfD proposals?
