Luxembourg MEP Fernand Kartheiser has rejected calls for expulsion by his European Parliament group after travelling to Moscow for talks with Russian officials, a move condemned by both his European group and Luxembourg’s foreign minister for crossing a political red line.

Luxembourg’s MEP Fernand Kartheiser of the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) has been on a political visit to the Russian capital Moscow since Sunday – a move that is expected to bring swift political consequences.

His European Parliament group, the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), told RTL in response to a media enquiry that co-chairs Nicola Procaccini and Patryk Jaki will initiate proceedings to expel Kartheiser from the group as soon as possible. By travelling to “Putin’s Russia”, they said, Kartheiser had crossed a red line. The ECR maintains its firm support for Ukraine’s security, territorial integrity and sovereignty, and squarely holds “Putin’s regime” responsible for the Russian war of aggression.

Kartheiser spoke out via video call on Monday afternoon.

"From migration and security policy to human rights and the protection of civilians in Ukraine, as well as other important matters I raised – our Russian interlocutors were remarkably open and understanding. They clearly grasp our concerns and approached the discussions with friendliness, politeness, and a genuine willingness to engage," said Kartheiser.

Regarding the ECR’s proposed expulsion process, Kartheiser said he is unclear about the procedure and whether he will be given a chance to explain his position. He ruled out resigning voluntarily and has not yet decided whether to continue as an independent MEP or join another faction, although he confirmed receiving an offer from another group.

On the war in Ukraine, Kartheiser advocated for humanitarian ceasefires, acknowledging the challenges in securing agreements but expressing confidence that Russia desires peace, pointing to ongoing peace talks.