The French far left New Anti-capitalist Party (NPA) launched its campaign for the European elections on Monday (9 March), refusing to join a united Left Front coalition made up of the Communist Party and the Left Party (Parti de Gauche), once again confirming the division of the French far left.

The Left Front (Front de Gauche) launched its campaign on Sunday, while another far left party, Workers' Struggle (Lutte Ouvriere) presented its candidates in mid-February.

Mr Besancenot - the New Anticapitalist Party's spokesperson

"It is not possible to present common lists," the NPA said at the launch of its campaign. Although committed to a regroupment of the far left parties, the NPA wants to ensure a clean break with the Socialist Party, which it accuses of adhering to 'neo-liberal' ideas. The other parties refused to say that they would not participate in a coalition government with the Sociaists.

The NPA was originally created a year ago, in February 2008, but its founding congress took place in February this year.

Irish Fianna Fail MEP and head of the UEN group in the European Parliament Brian Crowley has said that no deal has been done on whether his party will join the Liberal faction. He told the Irish Times that FF disagrees with the Liberals on issues such as CAP reform and ethical issues, like abortion.

A new political party aiming to "bring more democracy" to the EU has been launched in the UK and plans to fight every seat in June's European election.

Libertas, which campaigned against the Lisbon Treaty in an Irish referendum last year, said it would send a "clear message" the treaty was unacceptable.

Declan Ganley, the party's founder, has not ruled out standing but said he would not bankroll its efforts.

Libertas said it was "pro-European" and wanted to contest seats across the EU.