The MEPs were alarmed by the Russian properties in Bulgaria

The European Parliament calls for a strong response against Russian interference.

MEPs are urging EU leaders and member states to address Russia’s efforts to interfere in both EU institutions and across the Union, with the necessary sense of urgency and determination given the upcoming European elections on 6-9 June.

After recent revelations about Kremlin-backed attempts to interfere and undermine European democratic processes today the EP adopted a resolution that categorically condemns such efforts.

MEPs are adamant that any such tactics must have consequences. Parliament is outraged by credible reports that MEPs have been paid to spread Russian propaganda, and that MEPs have been involved in the activities of the pro-Russian media outlet Voice of Europe while Russia is waging an illegal war against Ukraine.

The EP expresses concern about the credible reports of increase in Russia’s attempts to interfere in the upcoming elections for the Bulgarian national parliament on 9 June 2024. It expresses strong concern about the existence of a network of disinformation agents operating on social media platforms, traditional media, academia, NGOs and political parties, and about Russian control of this network.

The MEPs are also very worried about the numerous properties in Bulgaria, which are currently owned by Russian authorities, with some of these properties being of strategic importance and serving as centers of Russian influence and pressure on the country’s democratic processes.

Citing alleged cases of Russian interference from across Europe, including Bulgaria, Germany and Slovakia, MEPs are concerned by the recent FBI questioning of leading Alternative for Germany MEP Maximilian Kra on suspicions that he was paid by Kremlin agents, as well as the April 23 arrest in Germany of his parliamentary aide on charges of spying for China. Parliament calls on Alternative for Germany to immediately publicly declare its financial relations with the Kremlin and to publicly disclose the purpose and exact amount of all payments originating from Kremlin-linked sources.

The EP points out that although Russia remains the main source of external interference and disinformation in the EU, other countries also produce such campaigns. They stress that the EU’s response to these threats can only be effective if it is based on a comprehensive and long-term political approach.

To strengthen the EP’s own protection, the resolution proposes strengthening its internal security culture, including thorough internal investigations to assess possible cases of external interference and the full implementation of its internal sanctions framework. MEPs also want mandatory security training for MEPs and staff, appropriate clearance for access to classified information and increased checks on staff.

The resolution calls on the Council to include in the upcoming 14th package of sanctions against Russia the Kremlin-backed media, other broadcasting and media organizations and individuals responsible for propaganda and disinformation campaigns in the EU. The MEPs want to reflect the sanctions adopted by the Czech government against the “Voice of Europe” and against Ukrainian pro-Russian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk and his close associate Artem Marchevsky. They also regret the ability of VOA to resume operations from Kazakhstan and call on EU member states to ensure that it is not available on EU territory.

The resolution was adopted with 429 votes “for”, 27 “against” and 48 “abstentions”.

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