There are currently 32 non-attached Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who do not belong to any political group. These MEPs must sit at the back of the hemicycle and have limited access to certain privileges within the Parliament. Being unattached comes with its advantages, such as being able to participate and vote without having to consider group decisions, as well as having a dedicated secretariat for administrative support. However, their visibility and representation within the Parliament are limited. Euronews takes a closer look at some of these unattached MEPs and how they ended up in this position.
Some of the unattached MEPs have gained notoriety for their extreme political views and controversial actions. MEPs like Grzegorz Braun from Poland, Milan Mazurek from Slovakia, and Maximilian Krah from Germany have faced criticism for their statements and actions. Others, like Romanian MEP Diana Șoșoacă, have made headlines for their dramatic behavior in the Parliament. Some unattached MEPs have chosen to remain independent due to disagreements with existing political groups on various issues, while others felt marginalized within their previous groups.
There are also MEPs who have gained popularity through social media and satire. Personalities like Fidias, a YouTuber-turned-MEP, and Martin Sonneborn from Germany’s satirical party “Die Partei” bring a unique and unconventional perspective to the European Parliament. These individuals challenge the traditional norms of politics and bring a sense of humor to the proceedings. Other independent MEPs, like Lukas Sieper and Ondřej Dostál, advocate for a pragmatic approach to policy-making free from ideological constraints.
Some unattached MEPs may only be in their current position temporarily. There are ongoing negotiations for MEPs like Alvise Pérez, who originally joined a right-wing group but may switch to a different political affiliation. Dissidents from left-wing parties in Germany and other countries are exploring the possibility of forming a new political coalition. However, forming an official parliamentary group requires meeting certain criteria, such as having at least 25 MEPs from seven different member states.
The reasons for MEPs becoming unattached vary, from personal disagreements with existing political groups to a desire for independence and pragmatism in decision-making. Some unattached MEPs have faced criticism for their extreme views and controversial actions, while others have gained popularity through social media and satire. The role of unattached MEPs in the European Parliament is unique, with both advantages and limitations compared to members of political groups. The future for these MEPs remains uncertain, with ongoing negotiations and potential collaborations on the horizon.
