Independent Cypriot MEP and former YouTuber Fidias Panayiotou is working on plans to form a new political group in the European Parliament. The core of the initiative is reported to involve Slovak MEPs from the political orbit of Prime Minister Robert Fico, while the possibility of expanding the group with Greek MEPs is also being examined, iefimerida.gr reports.
The move has attracted attention both because of Panayiotou’s background as an influencer who entered the European Parliament in a short period of time and because he is attempting to formalise a more organised presence for forces operating outside the mainstream European political line.
To form an official political group in the European Parliament, at least 23 MEPs from seven different member states are required. Success would grant increased speaking time in plenary, institutional representation in committees and access to funding and infrastructure.
According to iefimerida.gr, MEPs from Robert Fico’s SMER-SD party currently sit outside the major political groups, having left the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats. As non‑inscrits, their influence in central parliamentary processes is limited, making the creation of a new group an attractive prospect.
Possible participation of Greek MEPs
The same report notes that, according to Brussels sources, Panayiotou is considering inviting two Greek MEPs, Nikos Pappas and Nikos Farantouris, who recently left SYRIZA’s European group. Although there is no confirmation of their willingness to join, Panayiotou is said to maintain good personal relations with both.
He is also reported to be in close contact with Nikos Anadiotis of the Greek party Niki, who has publicly supported more favourable relations with Russia.
The Moscow trip
The initiative follows a series of controversial moves by Panayiotou, most notably his trip to Moscow with Slovak MEPs during a period of intense European sanctions against Russia. He described the visit as a “peace mission”, but it drew strong reactions in Brussels.
Similar attention was drawn by the presence of Nikos Anadiotis at the BRICS summit in Sochi, where he was photographed with Dmitry Medvedev, a moment widely interpreted as a sign of close ties with the Russian political establishment.