Alternative for Germany's Vision to Reshape the European Union
Alice Weidel, leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has unveiled a bold proposal to transform the European Union into a federation of fully sovereign nations. Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Weidel emphasized the need to return decision-making power to national parliaments and governments, arguing that the EU has drifted away from its foundation as a union of sovereign states.
Key elements of AfD's reform agenda include:
- reducing the size of the European Commission and reallocating its authority to the prime ministers and presidents within the European Council;
- replacing the European Court of Justice with an arbitration tribunal;
- abolishing direct elections to the European Parliament in favor of appointments by national parliaments;
- cutting Germany's financial contributions to the EU budget.
Weidel warned that if these reforms fail, "the German people will have to decide the country's future path themselves."
She also rejected the EU’s climate targets, opposing the goal of net-zero emissions and proposing to eliminate the ban on selling gasoline-powered cars from 2035 onward. Under AfD’s plan, member state capitals would gain the right to veto EU legislation and opt out of compliance. This initiative follows AfD's electoral successes in September 2023 regional elections, where it became Germany’s most popular party, destabilizing Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition.
Despite its Eurosceptic stance, AfD supports cooperation on border security, defense, joint technological projects, and single market regulations. Weidel stressed that if the Schengen Agreement collapses, Germany must exit and protect its borders independently. She also called for the EU to cease supporting Ukraine, advocating for peace negotiations among the US, Russia, and China.
Responses and Controversy
AfD’s positions have drawn strong criticism from mainstream politicians. David McAllister, a CDU member of the European Parliament, highlighted AfD's close ties to Vladimir Putin as damaging trust among allies. He stressed the vital importance of the single market to Germany’s economy, warning that weakening the EU would leave the country more vulnerable. Bundestag member Roderich Kiesewetter (CDU) noted that AfD’s suggested alternatives to the EU and NATO aim to merge German engineering expertise with Russian resources.
Implementing AfD's proposed reforms would require unanimous agreement from all 27 EU member states and treaty amendments, posing significant challenges. Former Minister for Europe David Lidington dismissed AfD’s strategy as "madness." Additionally, Gunnar Beck, a former AfD MEP, described the plan as an internal compromise within the party regarding the possibility of Germany exiting the EU (Dexit).
The political climate in Germany remains tense, with AfD's EU reform proposals sparking intense debate and division among the country's political elite.
AfD’s agenda signals a potential shift in Germany’s approach to the EU and international relations. If realized, these changes could profoundly alter the EU’s structure and future—especially amid rising populism across Europe. Pro-integration parties may face mounting pressure to adjust to this evolving landscape, potentially reshaping Germany’s role within the EU and its alliances.