A group of 29 MEPs led by Tiago Moreira de Sá (PfE) has submitted a written parliamentary question to the European Commission urging it to reassess the legal framework surrounding the Antifa movement, following a Molotov cocktail attack on a pro-life demonstration in Lisbon. The MEPs argue that the attack, which targeted peaceful demonstrators including children, was a potentially lethal act of political violence that received a mild judicial response, creating a perception of impunity. They call for zero tolerance and ask whether the Commission will propose concrete measures to sanction decentralised networks that promote violence against civilians.
The question, filed on 16 April 2026 under reference E-001569/2026, is co-signed by 29 MEPs from the Patriots for Europe (PfE), European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN), and one Non-Attached member. It reflects a push by right-wing and conservative MEPs to have the EU treat far-left militant groups as terrorist entities, a move that would have significant implications for civil liberties and policing across member states.
Concrete asks and policy direction
The question contains three concrete asks: first, whether the Commission intends to reassess the legal framework surrounding movements such as Antifa; second, what objective criteria distinguish radical activism from terrorist threat in the EU; and third, whether the Commission is prepared to propose concrete measures to prevent and sanction decentralised networks that promote or carry out violence against civilians. The MEPs do not propose specific numerical targets or deadlines, but their language — calling Antifa "terrorists" and demanding "zero tolerance" — signals a desire for a hardline shift in EU counter-terrorism policy.
Expected follow-up
The Commission is required to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will indicate whether it is open to expanding the EU's list of terrorist organisations or tightening the definition of terrorism to include ideologically motivated violence beyond Islamist extremism. A positive response could lead to new legislative proposals, while a dismissive one would likely prompt further parliamentary pressure from the signatories.
Stakeholder impacts
If the Commission follows the MEPs' request, the most impacted stakeholders would be: (1) EU member states' law enforcement and judicial authorities, which would face pressure to classify and prosecute Antifa-related activities as terrorism; (2) far-left activist groups and civil liberties organisations, which could see increased surveillance and legal restrictions; (3) EU citizens and demonstrators, who may benefit from enhanced protection against political violence but also face potential overreach in the name of security; and (4) the European Commission itself, which would need to navigate a politically sensitive balance between security and fundamental rights.