The European political movement DiEM25 says a bank in Belgium closed its account without warning, leaving it unable to access tens of thousands of euros and raising concerns about its ability to meet routine running costs.
The Democracy in Europe Movement 2025, co-founded by former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, appealed for emergency donations on Tuesday, 3 November 2026. It said its account had been closed unexpectedly and it was still trying to recover access to the money.
What happened to DiEM25’s account?
According to reporting by Novara Media, DiEM25 said the account was closed on 8 October. Its spokesperson Erik Edman confirmed that the account was held in Belgium, but declined to identify the bank, citing legal reasons.
Edman told Novara Media that the movement had requested an explanation and an extension, but the bank had not provided a reason and had refused the extension.
The account received small monthly contributions from supporters. The movement says it has an office and two employees in Belgium and is concerned about paying salaries, social security contributions and rent. DiEM25 says it is seeking another Belgian bank while raising emergency funds.
In a statement published by its Greek sister party MeRA25, the movement described the closure as sudden and warned that its wider European operations could be affected.
Was the decision politically motivated?
There is no verified evidence at present that the bank closed DiEM25’s account for political reasons. Edman acknowledged to Novara Media that the movement could not confirm such a motive, although he said it had heard accounts from other organisations suggesting that progressive political groups were experiencing difficulties accessing banking services.
Varoufakis suggested possible political explanations in a video appeal, but these remain his speculation rather than established findings. The bank has not been publicly identified, so its explanation of the closure is not available for scrutiny.
What protections exist in Belgium?
Belgium already operates a basic banking service intended to prevent eligible organisations from being excluded from essential banking facilities. Its official guidance says Belgian-registered legal entities, including non-profit organisations, can be eligible, subject to conditions such as previous refusals by banks and checks under financial crime legislation.
Whether DiEM25 qualifies for or has applied to use that process has not been established.
In July 2026, Belgium’s economy minister David Clarinval announced proposed measures aimed at excessive banking ‘de-risking’, when accounts are refused or terminated through overly broad assessments of perceived risk. The measures included better information for affected customers and stronger monitoring. The announcement does not establish the reason for DiEM25’s closure.
Separately, Belgian banking federation Febelfin issued guidance in January 2026 encouraging proportionate risk assessments of non-profit organisations, while recognising banks’ obligations to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.
What remains unknown?
- Which bank closed the account and what reason, if any, it gave DiEM25.
- The precise balance affected and when the organisation can access or recover it.
- Whether any Belgian regulator or complaints body is examining the case.
- Whether the closure was connected to political views, regulatory compliance or another issue.
DiEM25’s financial difficulties are a matter of public concern, but allegations about the bank’s motives should not be treated as fact without further evidence. Fish 4 News will update this report if the bank, regulators or the movement provide material new information.
Sources
- MeRA25: DiEM25 account-closure statement, 3 November 2026
- Novara Media: Interview with spokesperson Erik Edman, 3 November 2026
- Belgian Federal Public Service Economy: Basic banking service
- David Clarinval: Measures on access to banking, 3 July 2026
- Febelfin: Non-profit banking guidance, 28 January 2026
