STRASBOURG, France – Two Czech MEPs are in talks to join the European Conservatives and Reformists group, in a move that would strengthen the right-wing nationalist group ahead of the midterms.

Antonín Staněk, who sits in the Patriots for Europe grouping, and Nikola Bartůšek, who is not attached to any political group, are both discussing joining the ECR, according to multiple sources.

Bartůšek is expected to be confirmed as a member at a meeting of the ECR’s bureau in Strasbourg later on Tuesday. Both MEPs were contacted for a comment, but did not immediately reply.

Currently, the Patriots group is the third-largest in Parliament, with 85 members, while the ECR is a close fourth with 81. Adding two new members could narrow the gap to just one, if one of them comes from the Patriots.

“The bazaar is open and operating 24/7 until midterm revision is done,” one ECR source said.

The ECR has been making strides to broaden its pool of members, in the lead-up to the midterms in January 2027, when important posts such as committee chairmanships will be shared out based on group size.

Two Dutch MEPs joined the ECR from the European People’s Party earlier this year.

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