Belgian intelligence claims that Russia is paying members of the European Parliament to expand its network of influence.
Prime Minister Alexander de Croo said Belgian prosecutors were investigating allegations of Russian interference in the upcoming European Parliament elections with the aim of influencing Ukraine policy.
He said on Friday that Belgian intelligence services had confirmed the presence of pro-Russian influence networks in several European countries, including Belgium.
As part of an influence operation in the Czech Republic, with which Decroo said Belgium was closely cooperating, Russia allegedly approached members of the European Parliament and provided funds to promote pro-Russian sentiment. .
“According to our intelligence services, Moscow's objectives are very clear. The goal is to strengthen the
He did not say which individuals or entities may be the subject of suspicion. He added that despite the intervention of pro-Russian forces, no cash payments were made in Belgium.
“The purpose is very clear: weakening European support for Ukraine will help Russia on the battlefield. That is the real purpose that has become clear in recent weeks,” he said.
The allegations will be discussed at next week's European Union summit.
A Europe-wide opinion poll to elect the new parliament is scheduled to take place from June 6th to 9th.
More than two years after Russia's invasion, the EU has stepped up its financial and military support to Ukraine.
In early February, the European Union gave the green light to a 50 billion euro ($54 billion) aid plan for Ukraine over the next four years.
Russia has stepped up its attacks this year, particularly against Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Russian ground forces continue to advance, and heavy fighting continues 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 this kind of Russian threat in our midst. We need to act, and we need to act at the national level and at the EU level.”
De Croo said he had called for an emergency meeting of the EU Criminal Justice Cooperation Agency (Eurojust) and recommended that the anti-fraud agency OLAF should prosecute the case.
“We have a responsibility, and our responsibility is to ensure that every citizen maintains a free and secure right to vote.”
