Ahead of European elections: EU targeted by large-scale Russian propaganda campaign

In April 2024, ahead of the European Parliamentary elections, the EU is targeted by a comprehensive Russian propaganda and disinformation campaign designed to undermine liberal democracy and promote pro-Russian agendas. Investigations in several European countries have exposed a pro-Russian espionage network centered around the internet portal 'Voice of Europe' and involving attempts by Russia to influence Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) financially. Belgian and Czech intelligence revealed that Russian operatives approached and paid certain MEPs, including German AfD politicians Petr Bystron and Maximilian Krah, and Dutch MP Marcel de Graaff from the right-wing populist Forum for Democracy party, to further a pro-Russian agenda. Although these politicians deny the allegations, Belgian prosecutors are investigating. EU officials, including Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, emphasize the need for enhanced EU tools and coordinated action against such hybrid threats combining cyber activities, corruption, and disinformation ahead of the elections. The European Public Prosecutor's Office is expected to join investigations, with further countermeasures to be discussed at the forthcoming EU summit.