ER Editor: It’s a small example of defection and realignment, where the two MEPs of the Dutch BBB (farmer-citizen) party have defected from von der Leyen’s European People’s Party (EPP) to the European Conservatives and Reformists. But it is indicative of conservative forces coming together in a unified stance.
A reminder that the EPP supported the globo-communist Green New Deal.
Two days ago we published a report about unification around immigration policy on the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, where members from all right-wing parties came together to dominate a committee vote. This theme continues here, with the exception of pointing fingers at von der Leyen, whom we believe is long gone. See —
European Parliament Committee Backs Tougher Asylum Return Rules In Right-Wing Migration Win
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“The Conservative Family Is Growing” in the European Parliament
Dutch Farmer-Citizen Movement MEPs say they were punished by the European People’s Party for dissent.
MICHAEL CURZON
The political group of European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has lost a member in the European Parliament after the Dutch Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) left it behind for the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR).
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a debate at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on February 11, 2026. FREDERICK FLORIN / AFP
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Officials from the agrarian populist BBB, which has two MEPs, announced the switch on Tuesday, after determining that “the ECR group offers the best basis for implementing our program … less Brussels, more space for farmers, fishermen, regions, and national sovereignty.”
They added that von der Leyen’s European People’s Party (EPP) had “silenced” its representatives—in particular, by sanctioning the members after they supported January’s motion of no confidence against the Commission president.
Sweden Democrats MEP Charlie Weimers welcomed the move, saying, “The conservative party family is growing!”
A decisive reason for the group switch was the EPP’s punishment of their criticism of Ursula von der Leyen. That won’t be a problem with us, I dare say.
Nicola Procaccini, co-chairman of the ECR, which now has 81 members in the European Parliament, also said their arrival “strengthens our group as the natural home for centre-right forces committed to reforming the European Union with common sense and pragmatism.”
The ECR Group is growing! 📈
Thrilled to welcome 2 new members this week: @jessikavanlee24 and @sandersmitwzn from the Dutch Farmer-Citizen Movement! @BoerBurgerB
📺 Watch to hear from our new members! pic.twitter.com/DNDobUrhKR
— ECR Group (@ecrgroup) March 11, 2026
Fellow co-chairman Patryk Jaki added:
Across Europe, citizens expect policies that respect local realities, support those who produce our food and strengthen regional economies. Together we will continue working for a Europe that respects its regions, boosts competitiveness and delivers practical results for its citizens.
The EPP has not responded to the announcement.
Published to The Liberty Beacon from EuropeReloaded.com
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