Luxembourg MEP Fernand Kartheiser could be expelled from the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group following his controversial trip to Moscow. The decision will be made at a special meeting at 2pm on 4 June, ahead of the group’s next regular session scheduled for 10 June.
According to RTL sources, Kartheiser will be ousted if an absolute majority of the 80 ECR members vote in favour. If present, he will have a chance to defend his actions, and other members may present their perspectives.
The potential expulsion stems from Kartheiser’s recent visit to Russia, where he met with Russian government and parliamentary officials to discuss topics including the war in Ukraine. His actions sparked criticism within the group, as did a previous interview he gave to a Russian newspaper currently under EU sanctions, in which he called for lifting sanctions against Russia.
Read also: Fernand Kartheiser responds to criticism over Moscow visit, rejects calls for resignationThe controversy may have wider consequences for Kartheiser’s party, the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR). Sources indicate that the entire ADR could face expulsion from the ECR in the near future.
Several member parties – especially the influential Fratelli d’Italia and Poland’s PiS – oppose the ADR’s continued membership, particularly after party leader Alexandra Schoos publicly supported Kartheiser’s Moscow visit after his return.
