“Russia is trying to have an impact on all the groups in the European Parliament, including the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group, which comprises the former ruling party of Poland,” said Former Prime Minister of Poland and member of “Law and Justice” Mateusz Morawiecki in an interview with Euractiv.
At the end of March, an investigation by the Czech and Polish authorities revealed a pro-Russian influence operation in Europe involving a pro-Russian propaganda network. “The Russians are very active in every political group,” said Morawiecki in response to the developments, adding that he was not surprised by the latest exposure of a pro-Russian influence network. He admitted that the Law and Justice party and ECR were also at risk.
“I’m sure the Russians have also infiltrated the ECR Group or at least have tried to infiltrate it, and I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that there are some members who are working with the Russians because they are extremely effective at recruiting people,” said Mateusz Morawiecki. “I am not surprised that the Russians have infiltrated the Identity and Democracy Group. Moreover, I am sure that they are also trying to infiltrate the European People’s Party and the Socialists,” added Morawiecki.
Although no official charges have yet been brought, the media reported, citing Czech intelligence sources, that German Alternative for Germany MP Petr Bystron had received 25,000 euros from a Russian propaganda network. Thus, the EU authorities should do their best to prevent the Russians from infiltrating the EU Parliament and having an impact on the upcoming elections in Europe.
