The ECR formally expelled Luxembourg MEP Fernand Kartheiser on Wednesday following his controversial visit to Moscow and pro-Russia statements.

As expected, the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) voted Wednesday to expel Luxembourg MEP Fernand Kartheiser of the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) during an extraordinary meeting of its 80 members.

The decision, passed by majority vote at 2pm, follows Kartheiser's recent trip to Moscow where he met with Russian parliamentarians and government officials.

The Luxembourg politician had previously drawn criticism for advocating the lifting of EU sanctions in an interview with a Russian newspaper under EU sanctions. In addition to his negative behaviour and trip to Moscow, Kartheiser had crossed a red line for the ECR, explains group spokesperson Stephen Jones.

“Our position on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty has always been very strong," Jones adds. While Jones acknowledged Kartheiser’s courtesy and constructive participation in the group until now, the trip prompted decisive action.

Responding to backlash: Luxembourg MEP defends 'friendship' visit to Russia

Political Future: “I’m not ruling anything out”

When asked about his future in the European Parliament, Kartheiser stated he would not be ruling anything out. He emphasised his satisfaction with the idea of continuing as an independent MEP, noting that independents often have similar, if not greater, opportunities compared to those within a parliamentary group. “I assume I will operate as an independent, which suits me, but I’m also not ruling out joining a group if an interesting offer comes along... although that would be coordinated with the ADR in Luxembourg.”

Last week, Kartheiser claimed to have already received an offer from another parliamentary group, but declined to provide details, stating that the offer was not official.

Kartheiser expressed disappointment with the ECR, stating that the group had changed over time. “Nowadays, there is an effort to impose a uniform line on foreign policy among member parties, which hadn’t been the case before,” he said. In his eyes, Kartheiser hasn't made any mistakes, but rather sought to "build bridges."

ADR leadership and other Luxembourg MEPs react

ADR party chair Alexandra Schoos explained she could not get behind the ECR's decision. She confirmed that the ADR does not intend to leave the ECR group as a party, and she had not received any official notice of a potential expulsion of the ADR as a whole. However, internal sources suggest the ECR is indeed considering removing the entire party due to Schoos’ public support of Kartheiser following his Moscow trip.

Tilly Metz, an MEP from Luxembourg's Déi Gréng party, reacted sharply to the expulsion, remarking: “Too extreme for the extremists! That’s quite an achievement.” In a written statement, she underlined her commitment, alongside that of four other MEPs from Luxembourg, to safeguard and reinforce the Grand Duchy’s positive reputation within the European Parliament and beyond.