Despite initial success in advancing EU policies, Weber’s recent interactions with AfD members have raised concerns about potential ‘structured cooperation,’ contradicting his previous stance. Critics, including members of the German government, question the integrity of such alliances, especially as the AfD’s classification as a right-wing extremist party is now under scrutiny. Weber’s approach, which seeks conditional collaboration with right-wing factions, reflects a broader European trend of engaging with emerging conservative parties, challenging traditional political boundaries.