The European Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched a formal investigation into allegations of embezzlement of EU funds linked to the financing of media training for Jordan Bardella, leader of the French party ‘National Rally’.
The investigation was initiated following a complaint lodged in December 2025 by the French anti-corruption organisation AC!! Anti-Corruption. Activists highlighted possible irregularities in the use of European funds to prepare one of France’s most prominent right-wing politicians for public speaking engagements and media appearances.
No further details of the case have been disclosed yet. It is not known exactly which sums and EU programmes are mentioned in the investigation files. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office, which is responsible for protecting the EU’s financial interests, is investigating possible fraud and the misuse of budget funds.
A spokesperson for the National Rally party has categorically denied all allegations against Jordan Bardella. A press statement emphasises that the claims are politically motivated and aimed at discrediting the party leader ahead of the upcoming election campaigns.
Jordan Bardella, the 30-year-old leader of the National Rally, is considered one of the main candidates from the right-wing in the upcoming French presidential election. The party has traditionally criticised EU bureaucracy and advocates reducing France’s financial commitments to European institutions.