EU may freeze funds for Saxony-Anhalt if AfD government breaches rule of law

The AfD's electoral success in Saxony-Anhalt has triggered warnings from Green MEP Daniel Freund that the European Parliament could consider freezing EU allocations to the state if its government contravenes the rule of law or core EU values. Freund referenced earlier EU measures against Hungary and Poland, noting that withholding funds had contributed to governmental changes there. The contested EU money is earmarked for infrastructure projects, including school rebuilds, sports halls, kindergartens and modern medical technology, which are vital for Saxony-Anhalt's development.

Analysts estimate the regional support from EU structural funds represents a significant share of the state's investment budget. While the AfD dismisses the discussion as political pressure, other parties stress the need to preserve the funding while upholding EU standards. The debate highlights the potential economic impact on Saxony-Anhalt if Brussels decides to suspend the funds.