European Parliament condemns Russia’s ongoing efforts to undermine European democracy

In a resolution, adopted by 433 votes in favour, 56 against, and 18 abstentions, the European Parliament expressed its “complete outrage and serious concern” over Russia’s ongoing efforts aimed at undermining European democracy through various forms of interference and disinformation.

Given that the Kremlin is seeking to sow discord among European citizens, the text emphasises that Moscow recruits some Members of the European Parliament as “influence agents” and has established dependent relationships with some European political parties, including through funding.

Members of the European Parliament assert that those recruited by Russians act as amplifiers of Russian propaganda and serve Russia’s interests.

Expressing deep concern over recent media reports that Latvian MEP Tatjana Ždanoka allegedly acted as an informant for the FSB, the resolution underscores that both the European Parliament and the Latvian authorities must thoroughly investigate this issue, identify appropriate sanctions, and initiate criminal proceedings.

At the same time, the resolution points out other instances of conscious service of Members of the European Parliament to Russian interests, including through fake election observation missions in territories occupied by Russia.

Members of the European Parliament are outraged that Russia, often violating the legislation of EU member states, has found ways to provide significant funding to political parties, politicians, officials, and movements in several democratic countries to interfere and gain leverage over their democratic processes.

These Russian efforts include providing bank loans, purchases and commercial agreements, as well as supporting financial activities.

The text also cites recent attempts of Russian interference in various countries, including providing narratives to far-right political parties and figures in Germany and France to undermine public support for Ukraine, as well as in Slovakia.

Britain accuses Russia’s FSB of attempting to interfere in political processes.

MEPs are also concerned about the widespread dissemination of disinformation and illegal content on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Considering Moscow’s support for separatist movements in Europe, Members of the European Parliament are extremely concerned about possible links between Catalan separatists, including representatives of the regional government of Catalonia, and former regional leader and current MEP Carles Puigdemont, on one hand, and the Russian administration, on the other.

The Parliament wants matters related to contacts between Catalan MEPs and Russian representatives to be referred to the European Parliament’s Advisory Committee on Members’ Conduct for further investigation.

The Parliament also calls on relevant judicial authorities to conduct an effective investigation into the connections of Members of the European Parliament possibly linked to the Kremlin.

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EP Plenary session Tatjana Ždanoka

Read also: Tatjana Ždanoka: investigation launched into Latvian MEP’s alleged ties with Russian Intelligence

Reports suggest that Ždanoka, representing the “Russian Union of Latvia” party, has been actively engaged in soliciting funds from FSB handlers for various activities

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