In response to growing concerns about foreign interference in the upcoming European elections in June, Belgium has activated the EU crisis mechanism. As the holder of the EU Council presidency, Belgium launched this tool to facilitate information exchange among the 27 member states regarding interference in key elections. The decision came after several instances of Russian espionage and revelations about a platform promoting Russian propaganda paying Members of the European Parliament for collaboration.
The emergence of the Voice of Europe network, based in Prague, has sparked concerns in Belgium and the Czech Republic. This network has targeted far-right legislators from several European countries, raising alarms about Russia’s attempts to interfere in the European Parliament elections using tools such as espionage, disinformation campaigns, and influence agents. The European Parliament is set to vote on a resolution urging a thorough investigation of this case and proposing stricter controls.
Internal reports from EU institutions suggest an increase in Russian destabilizing activities aimed at undermining the EU’s credibility and tarnishing support for Ukraine, which has been in conflict with Russia for two years. Channels sympathetic to Russia and conspiracy theorists are highlighted for amplifying anti-EU narratives. European intelligence services have also warned about the Kremlin’s efforts to rebuild its espionage network within the EU, despite previous expulsions of diplomats and sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict.
During last week’s European Council meeting, leaders raised concerns about interference risks and agreed to closely monitor and contain them. Belgium and the Czech Republic have called for new sanctions and measures to counter Russian activities, urging European institutions to take action. The activation of the EU crisis mechanism will facilitate information exchange and coordination among member states ahead of the elections, focusing on addressing foreign interference using various levels of response based on
