MEPs condemn continuous Russian efforts to undermine European democracy
MEPs warn of elected politicians and parties in Europe knowingly serving Moscow’s interests, undermining the EU’s unity and democracy, reads a press release of the European Parliament.
In a resolution adopted on Thursday with 433 votes in favour, 56 against and 18 abstentions, Parliament expresses its complete outrage and grave concern about the continuous efforts by Russia to undermine European democracy through various forms of interference and disinformation.
With the Kremlin attempting to sow divisions between European citizens, the text highlights how Moscow is recruiting some MEPs as “influence agents” and has created a dependent relationship with certain European political parties, including through funding, which then act as amplifiers of Russian propaganda and serve Russia’s interest.
Expressing deep concern over recent media reports that Latvian MEP Tatjana Ždanoka has allegedly acted as an informant for Russian security service FSB, the resolution stresses it is imperative for both the European Parliament and Latvian authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter, to determine any appropriate sanctions and criminal proceedings. At the same time, the resolution also points to other cases of MEPs knowingly serving Russia’s interests including through fake electoral observation missions to Russian occupied territories.
The resolution also notes that Russian interference in Catalonia would be part of a broader Russian strategy to promote internal destabilisation and EU disunity. Parliament also calls on the relevant judicial authorities to undertake effective investigations into the connections of MEPs allegedly associated with the Kremlin.
