PATRIOTS.EU STATEMENT – Brussels, June 18
The leaders of the Patriots member parties gathered in Brussels to coordinate and reaffirm common positions regarding the European Council meeting on 18-19 June 2026.
Regarding the EU’s next long-term budget, the Patriots leaders call for the protection of traditional, long-term EU policies and oppose cuts to funding for farmers and Member States. They firmly reject any increase of funds to expand EU bureaucracy, giving more powers to the Commission and applying ideological conditionality. EU funds must not become a tool for ideological pressure in the hands of the Commission against sovereign Member States. Patriots condemn the push to accelerate the adoption of the MFF before the French and other major elections in 2027, as this would undermine democratic accountability and deprive the future French executive of its rightful role in shaping the next long-term budget.
Patriots leaders reiterate their opposition to the Migration Pact which does not seek to stop illegal migration to the EU, but to manage it. The Pact does not make the EU better prepared to deal with a migration crisis similar to the one in 2015; it continues to serve as an invitation letter for illegal migrants. Leaders welcome stricter rules on returns, which could not have been achieved without the efforts and support of the Patriots, and call for their swift implementation.
Regarding Ukraine’s accession to the EU and the opening of the first cluster, Patriots leaders reiterate their view that Ukraine’s accession to the EU would pose major concerns. They underline the risks with regard to the agriculture, labour market, and the security of the Member States.
Patriots leaders welcome the peace agreement in the Middle East and its potential to ease pressure on energy markets. Nevertheless, they remain concerned about the persistently high energy prices across the EU. As long as our businesses pay much higher prices for energy than their global competitors, restoring the EU’s competitiveness will remain an illusion. Patriots expect the European Commission to come up with concrete proposals based on common sense to reduce energy costs, strengthen energy security and ease bureaucratic burden on businesses.
Leaders express concern regarding the statement by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on Israel. Public statements by the HR must only reflect the agreed positions of its Member States. Unilateral declarations that do not represent a common position risk undermining the Union’s credibility.
The leaders of the Patriots member parties condemn anti-democratic measures aimed at silencing Patriotic leaders. Democracy cannot be strengthened by restricting democracy itself. In a fair democratic contest, it is the electorate – not legislative or judicial measures – that should determine who is entrusted with political leadership. The leaders are concerned about the anti-democratic course taken by the new Hungarian government, including the use of retroactive legislation specifically aimed at excluding Viktor Orbán from the democratic race.
Patriots leaders extend their warm congratulations on the seventieth anniversary of the Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs (FPÖ), the oldest member party of the Patriots family. The history of the FPÖ demonstrates that steadfastness of conviction, determination to defend national identity, and the ability to rise again are essential qualities in politics. The party is currently leading in all opinion polls.
Leaders also note with concern the numerous corruption cases affecting the Spanish government, its president and family, and its political organization, as well as its mass immigration policies, amplifying the pull factor and regularizing thousands of illegals who then move through European territory.
