E.U. leaders are sounding the alarm over potential Russian interference in the upcoming European Parliamentary elections. They're warning that the Kremlin is using disinformation in its attempts to sow divisions. But they also warn of dangers coming from within E.U. institutions with several MEPs being accused of acting as Russian agents.

Brussels

European Union leaders have expressed significant concern regarding potential Russian interference in the forthcoming European Parliamentary elections. They have highlighted worries about the Kremlin's use of disinformation aimed at causing division among EU member states. Additionally, concerns have been raised about threats emanating from within the EU itself, with allegations made against several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). These individuals are accused of acting as agents for Russia, further complicating the situation.



Fears of Russian interference in E.U. elections

Alleged Russian interference at the very heart of European politics. Longtime Latvian MEP Tatjana Zdanočka has been accused of spying for the Kremlin. She denies it, but she's now been sanctioned and fined by the European Parliament for breaching the MEP's code of conduct. The Parliament's president said the breach related to rules on the declaration of interests and receiving gifts. Zdanočka is not the only MEP accused of working for the Kremlin. The European Parliament is looking into allegations that several EU politicians have been paid to spread Russian propaganda. The allegations are connected to a Czech government investigation into a now-shuttered pro-Russia media outlet called Voice of Europe. An activist group compiled a list of MEPs who featured on the channel mostly members of far-right parties. Some of those on the list have denied they were paid for their appearances. German MEP Max Krau posted on social media that in the last two years he's given more than 200 interviews, two of them to Voice of Europe. There's no specific allegation that he was paid for any of these more than 200 interviews. But EU leaders accuse far-right parties of being willing collaborators of Vladimir Putin. Whether this is the AFD in Germany or the Rassemblement National in France, the Confederation in Poland or others, the names may be different but their goal is the same. They are trampling on our values and they want to destroy our Europe and we will never ever let this happen. Leaders warn that Russia is attacking Europe on multiple other fronts using techniques including cyber attacks and the spread of disinformation on social media. And they say the European elections in June are likely to be a special target for attempted Russian interference.

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