EU parliament call to investigate Russian propaganda network

• The European Parliament is under pressure to investigate a Russia-financed network.
• EU parliament’s political groups, including the Renew group.
• The Greens and Renew group call for a swift and thorough investigation.

On Friday, pressure mounted on the European Parliament to investigate a Russia-financed network that exerted influence across Europe and involved EU lawmakers. The Czech Republic revealed on Wednesday that its spies had discovered the network spreading Russian propaganda through the Prague-based Voice of Europe news site. Additionally, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo stated on Thursday that Moscow had paid money to MEPs to promote Russian propaganda.

The EU parliament’s political groups are now urging the assembly to investigate the latest claims. Valerie Hayer, who leads the centrist Renew grouping, wrote to parliament president Roberta Metsola, demanding “a full and transparent internal investigation.”

“If sitting MEPs or candidates in the upcoming European elections have taken money from the Russian government or their proxies, they must be exposed and action taken,” she said.

The Renew group also urged for an “urgent debate” in the parliament. Additionally, the Greens emphasized the necessity for a “swift and thorough” investigation.

“This is how (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is trying to get away with his war in Ukraine…. Terry Reintke, one of the lead candidates for the Greens in the European elections in June, described it as “a direct attack on the very fabric of our democracy.”

“The politicians who have received money from Russia should be severely punished, both politically and legally,” she added in a statement.

A spokesperson for the parliament stated that it is “currently examining the findings of the Czech authorities regarding the outlet ‘Voice of Europe’ in coordination with its institutional partners.”

The spokesperson further added that the parliament already bars access to the institution for media listed on EU sanctions lists. EU lawmakers are subject to stringent rules regarding independence and ethics, and they may face penalties—financial and otherwise—if they breach them.

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