On March 11, 2025, a closed-door meeting hosted by the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., brought together American and European conservative groups to discuss a proposal to dismantle the European Union (EU). The plan, titled “The Great Reset: Restoring Member State Sovereignty in the 21st Century,” was presented by Hungary’s Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) and Poland’s Ordo Iuris Institute for Legal Culture. It suggests replacing the EU with a new entity called the “European Community of Nations” (ECN), effectively dissolving current EU institutions like the European Commission and the European Court of Justice.
The proposal argues that the EU has evolved into a quasi-federal state, limiting national decision-making power and imposing ideologically motivated policies on member states without a clear mandate. The plan emphasizes restoring sovereignty to individual nations and reducing the influence of centralized EU institutions.
The Heritage Foundation, known for its Project 2025 agenda aimed at reshaping U.S. federal governance, has increasingly turned its attention to Europe. The March meeting included participants from American conservative legal group Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) and highlighted the growing collaboration between U.S. and European right-wing organizations.
Critics express concern over these developments, noting the potential impact on European integration and democratic institutions. Kenneth Haar of the Corporate Europe Observatory described the Heritage Foundation’s involvement in European affairs as “quite simply terrifying,” emphasizing the risks to civil rights, minority protections, and environmental policies.
The proposal to dismantle the EU and establish the ECN reflects a broader trend of nationalist and conservative movements seeking to redefine international alliances and governance structures. As these discussions continue, the future of European unity and cooperation remains a subject of significant debate.
