Brussels (Brussels Morning) – MEPs urge swift and robust action against Russian interference in European democratic processes. They condemn Kremlin-backed efforts and call for consequences, emphasizing the need for a unified EU response and enhanced internal security measures.
MEPs in the European Parliament today on 25 April 2024 called on the political leadership in the European Union and member states to oppose Russian interference endeavours urgently and vigorously. Following several current revelations of Kremlin-backed tries to interfere with and sabotage European democratic processes, MEPs embraced on Thursday a resolution firmly condemning such efforts.Â
What Urgent Action Are MEPs Calling For?
According to the Press of the European Parliament, Any such tactics, MEPs say, must have consequences. Parliament is disgusted by credible allegations that some MEPs were disbursed to disseminate Russian propaganda and that several partook in the activities of the pro-Russian media outlet “Voice of Europe”, at the exact time as Russia’s illegal battle of aggression against Ukraine.
MEPs want European Union and member state leaders to counter Russian interference actions, not just in the EU institutions but across the Union. There is, they contend, a sense of urgency and settle to this given the upcoming European elections on 6-9 June 2024.
Who Is Implicated in Russian Interference Allegations?
Referencing supposed Russian interference cases from across Europe, including Bulgaria, Germany and Slovakia, MEPs are worried by the recent questioning of leading Alternative fĂĽr Deutschland (AfD) MEP Maximilian Krah by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) over worries that he received funds from Kremlin agents, and by the detention in Germany on 23 April 2024 of his parliamentary deputy on charges of being a Chinese spy.Â
Parliament calls on the AfD to publicly announce without delay its financial relations, particularly with the Kremlin, and to publicly declare the purpose and actual amount of all payments originating fromÂ
MEPs state that while Russia remains the main source of foreign interference and disinformation in the EU, other nations are also active. They stress that the EU’s response to these dangers can only be practical if it is based on a cross-cutting, holistic and long-term policy strategy jointly carried by both the EU and member states.
How Will the EU Counter Russian Disinformation Campaigns?
To boost Parliament’s defences, the resolution indicates enhancing its internal security culture, including detailed internal investigations to evaluate possible cases of foreign interference and the full enforcement of its internal sanctions framework. MEPs also desire mandatory security training for MEPs and employees, appropriate security authorisation, and reinforced staff screening.
What Sanctions Are Proposed Against Kremlin-Backed Entities?
The resolution also calls on the Council to incorporate Kremlin-backed media outlets, other broadcasting and media institutions, and individuals accountable for propaganda and disinformation campaigns in the EU in the upcoming 14th Russian sanctions package. MEPs want to reflect the sanctions adopted by the Czech government against “Voice of Europe”, as well as Ukrainian pro-Russian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk and his close link Artem Marchevskyi. They also lament Voice of Europe’s ability to restart its functions from Kazakhstan and call on EU member states to provide it cannot be accessed in the EU.
