MEPs call for investigation into Russian interference in European Parliament

Liberal and Green groups on Friday called for an investigation into possible Russian-funded interference in the European Parliament. On Wednesday, it emerged that Czech intelligence services had stumbled upon the existence of a Moscow-funded network spreading pro-Russian propaganda about Ukraine via the Voice of Europe news website.

Valérie Hayer, leader of the Liberal group in the European Parliament, has now asked Parliament president Roberta Metsola to launch an investigation into the MEPs. With 10 weeks to go before the elections, "voters should know whether MEPs or candidates are receiving support from Russia," she said. "European democracy must be defended at all costs against this threat."

Green group co-president Terry Reintke said she supported the call for a "swift and thorough investigation at European level". A spokeswoman for the European Parliament said the institution was currently examining the findings of intelligence services, including those related to Voice of Europe.

"European democracy must be defended at all costs against this threat"

On Thursday, Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo also addressed the issue. Belgian intelligence services were cooperating with their Czech counterparts, he said.

Russia had "approached MEPs, but also paid for the promotion of Russian propaganda," De Croo said. "There is pressure from outside and cooperation from inside, including in our country, in the highest levels of our democratic institutions."

^{PHOTO: REDERICK FLORIN / AFP}