The European Parliament believes that the EU and the EU member states should take more active action against Russian espionage, agitation and subversion. MEPs say the Kremlin gives large sums of money to right-wing extremist political groups and spreads fake news and propaganda through anonymous Twitter and Facebook accounts.
In a resolution (433 votes in favour, 56 against and 18 abstentions), the European Parliament expresses its outrage and serious concern about continued Russian efforts to undermine European democracy. Earlier this month, it was reported that Latvian MP Tatjana Ždanoka allegedly acted as an informant for Russia's FSB security service.
At the same time, the resolution also points to other cases of Members of the European Parliament knowingly serving Russia's interests, including by sending bogus election observation missions to Russian occupied territories.
The European Parliament is also concerned about alleged relations between Moscow and Catalan separatists. Parliament wants this to be referred to the Advisory Committee on the Conduct of Members of the European Parliament for further investigation.
The European Parliament must also introduce stricter rules for its own use to prevent Russian interference in the European Parliament. Events organized on Parliament's premises, invited external guests and the use of Parliament's TV and radio studios and other resources should be more thoroughly investigated for abuse by Moscow,
“It is alarming that foreign agents can freely spread Russian propaganda within the EU institutions. The presence of foreign agents in the European Parliament and other institutions poses significant risks to our security and credibility,” said MEP Sandra Kalniete (EPP), one of the initiators of the debate in the European Parliament.