Belgian intelligence claims Russia paid members of the European Parliament to expand its influence network.
Prosecutors in Belgium are investigating suspected Russian interference in upcoming European Parliament elections with the aim of influencing Ukraine policy, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said.
Belgian intelligence has confirmed the existence of pro-Russian influence networks in several European countries, including Belgium, he said on Friday.
As part of an influence operation in the Czech Republic, whose officials, according to De Croo, Belgium works closely with, Russia approached members of the European Parliament and offered them money to promote pro-Russian sentiment.
“According to our intelligence service, Moscow’s goals are very clear. “The aim is to help elect more pro-Russian candidates to the European Parliament and strengthen a certain pro-Russian narrative in this institution,” De Croo told reporters.
He did not say which people or organizations might be suspected. In Belgium itself, despite pro-Russian interference, no cash payment took place, he added.
The prime minister said that “the aim is very clear: weakened European support for Ukraine serves Russia on the battlefield, and that is the real aim of what has been revealed in recent weeks.”
The allegations will be discussed at a summit of European Union leaders next week.
Europe-wide elections to elect a new parliament are planned for June 6th to 9th.
More than two years after the Russian invasion, the EU has increased its financial and military support to Ukraine.
The bloc gave the green light in early February to a €50 billion plan to support Ukraine over the next four years.
Russia has stepped up its attacks this year, particularly on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Russian ground forces have advanced and heavy fighting is taking place in several areas, including Avdiivka and Bakhmut.
Belgium’s prime minister said on Friday that Russia’s efforts to expand its influence in EU member states raise “serious concerns” that require action.
“We cannot allow such a Russian threat in our midst. We have to act, and we have to act both at national level and at EU level.”
De Croo said he had asked for an urgent meeting of the Union’s criminal and judicial cooperation agency (EuroJust) and suggested that anti-fraud agency OLAF should prosecute the case.
“We have a responsibility and our responsibility is to ensure that every citizen’s right to a free and safe vote is upheld.”