Bardella strengthens ties with Vlaams Belang in Brussels visit
French far-right leader Jordan Bardella visited Brussels to boost cooperation on migration policy, drawing both supporters and protesters amid his European outreach.
Jordan Bardella, leader of France's National Rally, visited Brussels on 11 June to reinforce ties with the Flemish nationalist party Vlaams Belang. Speaking at the Flemish Parliament, he called for greater cooperation among like-minded parties on migration and asylum policy, arguing that coordinated action could help reshape decision-making across the European Union.
The visit comes amid growing attention on France's 2027 presidential election, in which Bardella could play a leading role depending on forthcoming legal and political developments within the National Rally. The Brussels event drew supporters as well as several hundred demonstrators outside the parliament building. Protesters accused Bardella's movement of promoting policies they believe threaten equality and democratic freedoms.
During his speech, Bardella praised a decade-long alliance with Vlaams Belang and welcomed proposed EU measures that could allow asylum claims to be processed outside Europe and speed up deportations. The visit is part of a wider diplomatic effort that has already taken him to Portugal and Italy, as nationalist parties seek greater influence over migration, environmental policy and the future direction of the European Union.
