Brussels is investigating attempts by the Russian Federation to influence the course of the EU election campaign

Belgian authorities have launched an investigation into alleged Russian interference in the June elections for members of the European Parliament. This was announced by Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. According to him, Belgian intelligence has confirmed the existence of a network of agents who are trying to undermine European support for Ukraine. About it reports AP agency and other world media.

Belgium currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union.

The head of the Belgian government said that Belgian intelligence services confirmed the existence of pro-Russian networks. They operate in several EU countries, as well as in Belgium itself.

Belgian departments are closely cooperating with the authorities of the Czech Republic, where an operation to spread pro-Russian influence was uncovered. Members of the European Parliament were approached by agents offering money to promote Russian propaganda.

The Belgian prime minister did not specify to whom exactly the money was offered, who and on what terms, so the names of the suspects are not known. pays attention BBC.

It is also unknown whether this statement has anything to do with the fact that in December 2022, Belgian authorities announced the discovery of a certain “influence manipulation operation in the European Parliament” involving officials from Qatar. Qatari authorities have denied the accusations.

According to De Croo, no one paid anything to anyone directly on Belgian territory, but this is where the European Parliament sits and other European institutions are located. And therefore, according to the prime minister’s logic, writes BBC, the investigation should be led by the Belgian authorities.

“This is a serious threat, so I have taken action,” De Coor said. “We have to act at the national level and at the EU level.”

The prime minister confirmed that the charges will be discussed at the summit of EU leaders, which is scheduled to take place next week.

“Intelligence data indicate that Moscow’s goal is to help elect pro-Russian candidates to the European Parliament and strengthen pro-Russian sentiment among European politicians,” De Croo told reporters in Brussels.

Parliamentary elections in EU countries will take place on June 6-9.