On Russiagate: allegations of Russian interference in the democratic processes of the European Union

B90123/2024

European Parliament resolution on Russiagate: allegations of Russian interference in the democratic processes of the European Union

(2024/2548(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its resolution of 16 September 2021 on strengthening transparency and integrity in the EU institutions by setting up an independent EU ethics body,

− having regard to its resolution of 9 March 2022 on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation,

− having regard to its resolution of 15 December 2022 on suspicions of corruption from Qatar and the broader need for transparency and accountability in the European institutions,

− having regard to its resolution of 13 July 2023 on recommendations for reform of the European Parliament’s rules on transparency, integrity, accountability and anti-corruption,

− having regard to the legal principle of the presumption of innocence,

− having regard to Rules 9 and 10 of its Rules of Procedure and Annex I on the Code of Conduct for Members of the European Parliament regarding integrity and transparency,

– having regard to Rule 132(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas according to media reports, the Latvian security service intends to open an investigation into allegations of espionage on behalf a third country by MEP Tatjana Ždanoka;

B. whereas the case was immediately handed over to the European Parliament’s Advisory Committee on the Conduct of Members;

C. whereas the possible penalties under the Rules of Procedure include forfeiture of the entitlement to the daily subsistence allowance, temporary suspension from participation in all or some of the activities of Parliament and limitations on the right to access confidential or classified information;

D. whereas trust in Parliament’s integrity and the rule of law is paramount for the functioning of European democracy;

1. Expresses serious concern about the alleged acts;

2. Offers its full cooperation with the ongoing investigations;

3. Remains committed to fighting all forms of corruption, alleged attempts to influence Members and other forms of undue interference in the EU’s democratic processes;

4. Calls for the European Union to be vigilant with regard to attempts by any third country, including Russia, to unduly influence its democratic processes;

5. Recalls the need to respect due process, the rule of law and fundamental rights; reiterates that political choices cannot be criminalised and that MEPs must not face further restrictions to the expression of their opinions when exercising their legitimate mandate;

6. Takes notes of the Commission proposal on a defence of democracy package (COM(2023)0630); warns against the approach proposed to tackle so-called ‘foreign agents’, which could lead to significant restrictions on civic space in the EU and globally; strongly supports, however, common transparency and accountability rules for interest representation services paid for or directed from outside the EU, with the aim of protecting the EU democratic sphere from covert outside interference;

7. Reiterates its call for a dedicated vice-president be put in charge of integrity and fighting corruption and foreign interference in Parliament;

8. Reiterates its support for the establishment of an independent ethics body as soon as possible, in line with its resolution of 16 September 2021;

9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Government and Parliament of Latvia and the Government and Parliament of Russia.