The European Parliament adopted by 429 votes to 27 with 48 abstentions a resolution calling on the political leadership in the EU and member states to immediately and vigorously counter Russian interference.
MEPs strongly condemn the recently revealed and Kremlin-backed attempts to interfere and undermine European democratic processes and said that any such tactics must have consequences. Parliament expressed outrage at reports that MEPs were being paid to spread Russian propaganda and that some of them were involved in the activities of the pro-Russian media outlet Voice of Europe while Russia waged its illegal war against Ukraine.
MEPs express concern about credible reports of increasing Russian attempts to interfere in the upcoming elections for the Bulgarian National Parliament on 9 June 2024. The legislature expresses 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.
In the text of the resolution, the numerous Russian properties on the territory of Bulgaria are not overlooked, noting that some of them serve as centers of Russian influence and putting pressure on the democratic processes in the country.
In another resolution, approved by 357 votes in favor, parliament condemned Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel and called for additional sanctions against the Islamic republic.
The document welcomes the Council’s decision to launch the EU naval operation Aspides to ensure freedom of navigation off the coast of Yemen. MEPs urged the EU and its Member States to consolidate and intensify all efforts to ensure the safe and immediate release of all hostages from the vessel Galaxy Leader, including two Bulgarian, one Romanian and three Ukrainian nationals, who have been held by the Houthis since November 19, 2023 onwards.
