Danish Democrats join EU-skeptic group

Kristoffer Storm of the Danish Democrats is now an official member of the EU-critical European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group in the EU Parliament. This move comes after some uncertainty regarding the party’s European affiliation, previously cast in doubt by party chair Inger Støjberg. She had emphasized the party’s ability to distance itself from undemocratic forces like Hungary’s Fidesz party, which under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has maintained ties to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and criticized the EU’s sanctions policy against Russia. Despite rumors, Fidesz has not been admitted into the ECR following the election. Other ECR members include the Sweden Democrats, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy, and Poland’s former ruling PiS. The ECR is the third largest group in the Parliament, following the EPP and S&D groups, with its size being crucial for its influence. The newly elected MEPs will convene for the first time in mid-July in Strasbourg.