Alexander De Croo: Belgian Prime Minister claims MEPs Linked to Russian Propaganda Payments

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has made startling allegations, suggesting that European Union lawmakers have been paid to propagate Russian propaganda.

De Croo’s assertions come amidst a collaborative effort between Belgian and Czech intelligence services to dismantle what they describe as a Russian propaganda network.

During a debate in the Belgian national parliament concerning foreign interference, De Croo underscored a recent close collaboration between Belgian and Czech intelligence services in tackling Russian influence operations.

Without specifying individuals, De Croo revealed that Russian entities had approached Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and provided financial incentives for disseminating pro-Russian narratives.

De Croo’s spokesperson clarified that the prime minister’s remarks were linked to the Czech government’s decision to impose sanctions on the news outlet Voice of Europe.

Prague alleged that the platform was complicit in a pro-Russian influence operation orchestrated by Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk, a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Czech Foreign Ministry outlined that Medvedchuk had operated a Russian influence campaign from within Russia, targeting Czech territory through Voice of Europe.

In response to these revelations, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala emphasised the severity of the situation, stating that authorities had disrupted a pro-Russian network that sought to manipulate public opinion and potentially jeopardise national security and the integrity of democratic processes, including the upcoming European Parliament elections.

The Czech Foreign Ministry justified its decision by citing the imperative to safeguard national security and protect the democratic principles underpinning European elections.

Consequently, Voice of Europe’s website is presently inaccessible, and its social media presence has been silent since Wednesday.

Delphine Colard, deputy spokesperson for the European Parliament, confirmed that the Parliament is actively investigating the findings put forth by Czech authorities regarding Voice of Europe’s involvement in alleged pro-Russian activities.

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