How the European Parliament is helping normalize far right

European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) secure high-profile positions on more than a dozen committees in the European Parliament following this year 's EU elections.

The ECR grouping has been allocated 13 positions, including three chair positions and 10 vice chair positions.

Seven of these positions, on committees that cover key issues like foreign affairs, security, environment and public health, have been given to members of Giorgia Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy party.

Some observers are worried that having ECR representatives in such powerful committee leadership positions could lead to a normalization of the far right within the EU .

Brothers of Italy has its origins in the Italian Social Movement , or MSI, founded by officials loyal to fascist dictator Benito Mussolini .

Since becoming Italy 's prime minister in 2022 , Meloni has tamped down her euroskepticism and sided with Ukraine over Russia .

Meloni 's opposition to Putin has brought her in line with the EU 's critical defense policies.

But she is still seen as problematic when it comes to European values and frameworks to guard them.