Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper), The European Parliament has called on the political leadership in the EU and member states to “counter Russian interference attempts urgently and vigorously.”
Following what it calls “several recent revelations of Kremlin-backed attempts to interfere with and undermine European democratic processes,” MEPs adopted a resolution “firmly denouncing” such efforts.
Any such tactics, they say, “must have consequences.”
Parliament says it is “appalled by credible allegations that some MEPs were paid to disseminate Russian propaganda and that several participated in the activities of a pro-Russian media outlet
This comes, it says, “at the same time as Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.”
MEPs now say they want EU and member state leaders to deal with Russian interference efforts, not just in the EU institutions but across the Union. There is, they argue, a sense of urgency and resolve to this given the approaching European elections on 6-9 June 2024.
Referencing suspected Russian interference cases from across Europe, including Bulgaria, Germany and Slovakia, MEPs said they are concerned by the recent questioning of a leading Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) MEP.
Parliament called on the AfD to “publicly declare without delay its financial relations, especially with the Kremlin, and to publicly disclose the purpose and exact amount of all payments originating from Kremlin-linked sources.”
MEPs in the resolution said, “while Russia remains the main origin of foreign interference and disinformation in the EU, other countries are also active. They underline that the EU’s response to these threats can only be effective if it is based on a cross-cutting, holistic and long-term policy approach jointly carried by both the EU and member states.”
Andreas Schieder, S&D spokesperson on foreign interference, said:“Every week, if not day, brings a new revelation about far-right links to the Kremlin or other malign regimes.”
The MEP said, “The Russiagate scandal is just another example of Russia’s efforts in trying to sabotage our democratic systems. What next?”
The MEP said, “It should be clear for everybody now why the far right opposes stricter rules on transparency and integrity. And it should also be clear that a vote for the far right in the June elections is a vote for Putin’s influence in the European Parliament.”
