According to sources within the Latvian security services, the MEP in question is the 73-year-old Tatjana Zdanoka, a well-known figure in Latvian political circles. The investigation focuses on alleged collaboration with Russian intelligence services. This news comes amid growing concerns about increasingly aggressive Russian influence in European politics.
The Latvian Constitution Protection Bureau has confirmed that the investigation into Zdanoka's alleged ties with Russian intelligence agencies is ongoing. However, no details have yet been released about specific accusations against her.
This news has sparked a wave of concern within the European Parliament. Various members of parliament have expressed their worries about the possibility of foreign interference in European politics. In response to Russia’s war against Ukraine, European politics has imposed numerous sanctions against Moscow.
Besides Zdanoka's case, a Dutch Member of the European Parliament is also suspected of too close ties with Russia. Marcel de Graaff, former member of the PVV and Forum for Democracy, is suspected of cooperating with the Kremlin. De Graaff has denied the accusations and claims they are politically motivated. He was also a member of the far-right ID faction in Strasbourg for some time.
When De Graaff last week again advocated rapprochement with Russia in a speech at the European Parliament and criticized the European pro-Ukraine policy, he was interrupted several times with boos from other EU politicians and was eventually deprived of the floor.
In response to the accusations, the European Parliament has announced that it will launch its own investigation into the involvement of European politicians with foreign powers.