In an EP resolution, MEPs called for a firm response against Russian interference

The European Parliament adopted today with 429 votes “for”, 27 “against” and 48 “abstentions” a resolution in which it called on the political leadership in the EU and the member states to oppose immediately and vigorously the Russian interference, the press service of the European Parliament reported.

In the document, the MEPs categorically condemned the recently revealed and Kremlin-backed attempts to interfere and undermine European democratic processes and stated that any such tactics must have consequences. Parliament expressed outrage at credible reports that MEPs were paid to spread Russian propaganda and that some of them participated in the activities of the pro-Russian media outlet “Voice of Europe” while Russia waged an illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, the press service said. of the legislature.

MEPs called on EU leaders and member states to address Russia’s efforts to interfere not only in EU institutions, but across the Union, with the necessary sense of urgency and determination given the upcoming European elections on 6-9 June 2024.

At the same time, the EP expressed concern about credible reports of increasing attempts by Russia to interfere in the upcoming elections for the Bulgarian National Parliament on 9 June 2024. The press release stated that the legislature expressed strong concern about the existence of a network of disinformation agents operating in social media platforms, in traditional media, academia, non-governmental organizations and political parties, and about Russian control over this network, the EP press office reported.

The MEPs also expressed 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 country’s democratic processes.

Citing alleged cases of Russian interference from across Europe, including Bulgaria, Germany and Slovakia, MEPs expressed concern over the recent FBI questioning of leading Alternative for Germany MEP Maximilian Kra on suspicions that he had been paid by Kremlin agents, as well as the arrest in Germany on April 23, 2024 of his parliamentary aide on charges of spying for China. Parliament called on Alternative for Germany to immediately make public 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 press office said.

MEPs said that while Russia remains the main source of external interference and disinformation in the EU, other countries also produce such campaigns. They stressed that the EU’s response to these threats can only be effective if it is based on a horizontal, comprehensive and long-term political approach carried out jointly by the EU and its Member States.

To strengthen Parliament’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. The MEPs also called for mandatory security training for MEPs and staff, appropriate clearance for access to classified information and enhanced staff vetting, the legislature’s press release said.

The resolution called on the EU Council to include in the upcoming 14th package of sanctions against Russia Kremlin-backed media, other broadcasting and media organizations and individuals responsible for propaganda and disinformation campaigns in the EU. MEPs asked that they 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 Artyom Marchevsky. They also expressed regret about the ability of “Voice of Europe” to resume operations from Kazakhstan and called on EU member states to ensure that the media will not be available on EU territory, the EU press office concluded.