Members of the European Parliament have expressed concern that interference in our democratic system and manipulation of information is expected to increase ahead of the European elections in 2024. Adequate funding is therefore essential to combat misinformation and maintain the democratic process.
These views were expressed by members of the European Parliament’s Special Committee on External Intervention ING2 on the occasion of the vote to accept the new report.
The committee members said that there is an urgent need for a coordinated EU strategy against foreign interference in this regard. It was suggested that the use of equipment and software from manufacturers in countries at risk to democratic systems be excluded.
In the report adopted on Wednesday, MEPs added that the EU needs a coherent strategy against foreign interference and information manipulation (FIMI), which includes better enforcement of existing provisions to fight it. Steps to do include:
He further said that adequate funding should be provided for measures such as capacity building, countering disinformation and maintaining democratic processes.
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has clearly underscored the link between FIMI’s efforts and the EU and its immediate neighbours, including the Western Balkans and Eastern European partner countries, as well as global security and stability.
The report adopted by the Special Committee elaborated on numerous examples of foreign interference.
As the political elite is pushing the Gazprom agenda in Germany. This includes sensitivity to Russian intelligence activities in Hungary and targeting specific communities with disinformation campaigns in Slovakia, Hungary and Poland.
Similarly, MEPs concerned about the EU’s dependence on foreign actors and foreign technologies in key infrastructure and supply chains called on the Council and the Commission to focus on high-risk countries, particularly China and Russia, and their Prohibit the use of devices and software from manufacturers of technologies such as, TikTok ByteDance Huawei, ZTE, Kaspersky, NtechLab Nuctech.
The report urges the Commission to effectively facilitate access to donations to combat illicit financial transactions from non-EU countries entering the EU political system.
The Committee of Members also demanded that the Commission call on Member States to urgently address the issue of donations from third countries to national political parties and address loopholes in their legislation.
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