Czech opposition leader Andrej Babiš, who co-founded the Patriots for Europe (PfE), has thrown his full support behind Donald Trump as the U.S. president takes office.
In an interview with CNN Prima News ahead of the inauguration, Babiš didn’t mince words, calling Trump “an ally” of the Patriots and expressing confidence in his leadership, especially on issues like resolving the war in Ukraine.
“We [the Patriots] are his allies,” Babiš affirmed, explaining that Trump’s pragmatic and transactional style gives Europe an opportunity to restore stronger ties with Washington. He added that several Patriot MEPs were already in the U.S. to witness this historic transition. According to Babiš, a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine conflict under Trump would not only save lives but also provide much-needed relief to Europe’s faltering economy.
Unlike ideologically rigid Democrats, Babiš argued, “You can talk to Trump.” He emphasized that Trump must recognize Europe as a steadfast ally, and the Patriots, in particular, have always stood behind him. However, Babiš pushed back on Trump’s proposed 5% GDP defense spending target for NATO, calling it unrealistic for most European nations. He suggested that with growing economies, a lower figure, possibly around 3.5% as floated by NATO chief Mark Rutte, could suffice to bolster the alliance’s security.
Babiš, who leads Czechia’s largest and most popular opposition party, ANO, is poised for a political comeback. With Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s approval ratings in the gutter—hovering at just 17%—ANO is polling well ahead of the ruling coalition, making Babiš the frontrunner in the upcoming Czech elections.
The Patriots for Europe group, already the third-largest bloc in the EU Parliament, is expected to expand its influence even further. Babiš predicted upcoming wins in Austria under Herbert Kickl’s ÖFP and potentially in France, where National Rally leader Jordan Bardella could rise to power. With member parties like Hungary’s Fidesz, Italy’s Lega, and the Dutch PVV already part of governing coalitions, the Patriots are gaining clout on the EU Council. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán hailed Trump’s presidency as a “new golden age” for conservatives and called for European patriots to expel the influence of the “Soros network” with U.S. support.
While the EU Parliament’s other major conservative group, the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), is vying for a partnership with Trump, the Patriots remain his most natural allies. ECR leader Mateusz Morawiecki led a delegation to the inauguration, hoping to strengthen ties, particularly with Italy’s Giorgia Meloni-led Fratelli d’Italia party in its ranks. However, ECR’s warming ties with the EU mainstream and its opposition to Trump’s ceasefire approach in Ukraine set it apart from the Patriots.
Adding to the mix, ECR flatly rejects cooperation with the German AfD-led Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN) group, which aligns closely with Trump. ECR president Morawiecki recently dismissed ESN outright, stating, “They are not our friends, not at all.” This rift deepens as Elon Musk openly backs the AfD in Germany’s upcoming elections, creating yet another fault line between Trump’s administration and ECR.
As Trump begins his term, Europe’s conservative landscape is shifting, with the Patriots positioning themselves as his key allies while other groups navigate their own paths. Babiš remains confident that the Patriots’ influence will only grow, calling it an exciting time for sovereigntists across the continent.
