• Credible allegations that some MEPs were paid to spread Russian propaganda
• The German “Alternative for Germany” should publicly declare its financial relations, especially with the Kremlin
• Russia is the main source of external interference and disinformation in the EU
• Concern about Russian attempts to interfere in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Bulgaria and the numerous properties of Russian bodies in the country
Parliament calls on the political leadership in the EU and member states to immediately and vigorously counter Russian interference.
Following several recent revelations of Kremlin-backed attempts to interfere and undermine European democratic processes, MEPs on Thursday passed a resolution strongly condemning such efforts. They state that any such tactic must have consequences. Parliament expresses outrage at credible reports that MEPs have been paid to spread Russian propaganda and that MEPs have participated in the activities of the pro-Russian media outlet Voice of Europe while Russia is waging an illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.
MEPs call 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.
Attempts to intervene on the territory of Bulgaria
Parliament expresses 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.
The 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 country’s democratic processes.
Paying elected officials to spread propaganda
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 arrest in Germany on April 23, 2024 of his parliamentary aide on charges of spying for China. Parliament calls on Alternative for Germany to immediately make public its financial dealings with the Kremlin and publicly disclose the purpose and exact amount of all payments originating from Kremlin-linked sources.
A concerted and vigorous response is necessary to counter the interference
MEPs say that while Russia remains the main source of external interference and disinformation in the EU, other countries are also producing such campaigns. They emphasize that the EU’s response to these threats can only be effective if it is based on a horizontal, comprehensive and long-term policy approach jointly implemented 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. MEPs also want mandatory security training for MEPs and staff, appropriate clearance for access to classified information and enhanced checks on staff.
The resolution calls on the 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. 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 expressed regret over the ability of VOA to resume operations from Kazakhstan and called on EU member states to ensure that it is not available on EU territory.
The full text of the resolution will be available here (25.4.2024). It was adopted with 429 votes in favour, 27 against and 48 abstentions.
