MEPs call on the European Union to react strongly to prevent Russian interference

While Russia remains the main source of foreign interference and disinformation in the EU, other countries have also carried out such campaigns, MEPs say. They emphasize that the EU’s response to this threat can only be effective if it is based on a transversal, comprehensive and long-term policy approach jointly implemented by the EU and its Member States.

In order to strengthen the EP’s protection, the resolution proposes to improve the EP’s security culture, including thorough internal investigations to assess possible cases of foreign interference, and the full implementation of its internal sanctions system. MEPs also want mandatory security training for MPs and staff, and to establish adequate security clearance and increased vetting of staff.

In the resolution, the EU Council is invited to include Kremlin-supported media, other broadcasting organizations and media organizations, as well as persons responsible for propaganda and disinformation campaigns in the EU, in the upcoming 14th Russia sanctions package.

MEPs demand that the EU and its member states impose the same sanctions against “Voice of Europe”, Ukrainian pro-Russian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk and his associate Artyom Marchevsky as adopted by the Czech Republic. They regret that “Voice of Europe” was able to resume operations from Kazakhstan and call on the EU member states to ensure that the content of this media cannot be accessed in the EU.

The resolution was adopted with 429 votes “for”, 27 “against” and 48 “abstentions”.