On Russiagate: allegations of Russian interference in the democratic processes of the European Union
B-9-2024-0130
on behalf of the PPE Group · Rapporteur: Michael Gahler, Sandra Kalniete, Željana Zovko, Vladimír Bilčík, Rasa Juknevičienė, Andrius Kubilius, Dolors Montserrat, Dace Melbārde, Javier Zarzalejos
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Parliament's resolution condemns Russian interference in EU democratic processes, including the case of MEP Tatjana Ždanoka, Catalan secessionists' contacts with Russia, and disinformation campaigns in Germany and Slovakia.¶¶¶ It calls on national and EU authorities to investigate these cases urgently, intensify efforts before the European elections, and improve cooperation against foreign interference.¶¶ It demands stricter scrutiny of events, guests and access to Parliament's communication platforms, a review of staff screening, and restrictions on MEPs linked to interference.¶¶¶ It stresses that Russian interference is exceptional and requires special efforts, and calls for sustainable funding for investigative journalism.¶¶
Key points
- Expresses outrage at Russia's continuous efforts to undermine European democracy by recruiting MEPs as agents of influence and creating dependencies through European political parties.¶
- Condemns Russian falsification of European history to justify its aggression and undermine other nations' sovereignty.¶
- Strongly condemns MEP Tatjana Ždanoka for working as an agent of influence for Russian intelligence and calls on national and EU authorities to investigate urgently.¶
- Points to other MEPs, particularly from the ID and The Left Groups and non-attached Members, knowingly serving Russia's interests and undermining EU security.¶
- Expresses concern about relations between Catalan secessionists and the Russian administration, and calls on Spanish authorities to intensify and conclude investigations.¶¶¶
- Condemns Russian interference in Slovakia's electoral process and the disinformation campaign in Germany exposed by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.¶¶
- Condemns the revelation that an employee of an AfD-linked Bundestag member was a contact for the Russian Federal Security Service.¶
- Stresses that Russian interference is exceptional and differs from other non-EU countries' attempts, requiring special efforts by national and EU institutions.¶
- Calls on all national and EU authorities to intensify efforts to combat foreign interference ahead of the upcoming European elections.¶
- Calls for stricter scrutiny of events, external guests and access to Parliament's communication platforms, and a review of screening procedures for all Parliament staff.¶¶
- Calls for restricting MEPs linked to interference, including suspending those carrying out subversive actions in the guise of parliamentary activities.¶
- Underlines the key role of investigative journalism and calls for sufficient and sustainable funding for it.¶
Who is affected
- MEP Tatjana Ždanoka: condemned for working as an agent of influence for Russian intelligence services.¶
- MEPs from the ID and The Left Groups and non-attached Members: accused of knowingly serving Russia's interests.¶
- Spanish authorities: called to intensify and conclude investigations into Russian interference linked to Catalan secessionists.¶
- National and EU authorities: urged to intensify efforts against foreign interference before the European elections.¶
- Parliament staff, including MEPs' office staff: subject to a review of screening procedures to prevent infiltration.¶