After AfD's win in Saxony-Anhalt, EU discusses freezing nearly €3 billion

After the AfD's victory in Saxony-Anhalt, discussions in Brussels have emerged about potentially freezing EU funding to the region. The amount in question is €2.95 billion in the current funding period—around €500 million per year, roughly 20% of the region's public investment spending.

There is precedent: the EU has previously frozen up to €18 billion for Hungary and billions for Poland over rule of law concerns, both linked to changes in governance. Green Party MEP Daniel Freund stated that the same mechanism could be applied to Saxony-Anhalt if an AfD-led government undermines fundamental EU rights. The party called this a 'democratic attack.' Chancellor Merz noted that federal authorities can ensure constitutional compliance in any region if needed. Saxony-Anhalt is more dependent on per capita EU subsidies than any other German state, with these funds supporting schools, hospitals, and kindergartens.