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429 votes “for”, 27 “against” and 48 “abstentions” The European Parliament today approved a resolution calling on the political leadership in the EU and member states to immediately and vigorously counter Russian interference, paying particular attention to attempts at Russian interference in the forthcoming Bulgarian parliamentary and European elections on June 9.
In the minutes of the MEPs’ roll-call vote, it is recorded that Andrey Slabakov and Angel Jambazki abstained. Both were nominated as representatives by VMRO and are in the European Conservatives and Reformists group.
The press release from the EP described that “Kremlin-backed attempts to interfere and undermine European democratic processes” were categorically condemned and stated that “such tactics must have consequences”.
The part about Bulgaria says:
“Parliament expresses its concern about credible reports of increasing Russian 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, in traditional media, academia, NGOs and political parties, and about Russian control of this network.
MEPs also express strong concern about the numerous properties on the territory of Bulgaria that are currently owned by Russian authorities, some of these properties being of strategic importance and serving as centers of Russian influence and exerting pressure on the democratic processes in the country.”
The resolution also reminds that “although Russia remains the main source of external interference and disinformation in the EU, other countries also produce such campaigns”, but specific names are not mentioned.
Source: Diary
Tags: European Parliament Russian disinformation agents influence elections Bulgaria
