To counter Russian attempts to influence the EU Parliament, the Social Democrats want members who are suspected of crimes related to security to be able to be suspended.
It is clear that Russia is trying to influence the EU Parliament and the upcoming election, according to the Social Democrats' defense policy spokesperson Peter Hultqvist. This is done, among other things, by creating relationships with politicians, active work in social media, and hybrid threats.
To protect the EU Parliament from Russian influence, the Social Democrats propose five measures. For example, they want members of parliament who are being investigated for crimes related to Europe's security to be able to be suspended during the investigation.
They also want to prohibit foreign countries from paying for parliamentarians' and officials' travel expenses, and to introduce mandatory training to increase knowledge about corruption and foreign interference.
Hultqvist warned of the risk that both members and officials could become "useful idiots" for Russian interests.
The Social Democrats' proposal to counter Russian influence on the EU Parliament:
1. Members of parliament who are under investigation for crimes related to Europe's security can be suspended during the investigation.
2. Prohibition on foreign countries paying for members of parliament's and officials' travel expenses.
3. Expanded mandate for the European Agency for the Fight Against Corruption and the European Public Prosecutor's Office.
4. Enhanced security screening for employees and political assistants.
5. Mandatory training for employees and members of parliament about corruption and foreign interference.
