Concerns Rise Over Russian Interference in European Elections Amid Cyberattacks and Bribery

As European elections approach, concerns about Russian interference are mounting across the continent. Allegations of cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and bribery have sparked alarm among EU officials and member states. The European Parliament elections, scheduled for this week, have become a focal point for these illicit activities.

Why this matters: Russian interference in European elections has significant implications for the integrity of democratic processes and institutions. If left unchecked, it could lead to erosion of trust in government and undermine the stability of the European Union.

Russia has been accused of engaging in disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining democratic processes. Lea Frühwirth of the Berlin-based Center for Monitoring, Analysis and Strategy (CeMAS) noted that Russia spreads false information online to discredit parties and politicians, and to sow mistrust about the legitimacy of the electoral process. This background noise of Russian propaganda seeks to exacerbate the increasingly polarized European political atmosphere.

Cyberattacks have also been a significant concern. German political parties, logistics companies, and IT services have been targeted by hacking attempts, with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock attributing these attacks to 'Russian state hackers.' The APT28 unit, also known as 'Sophisticated Bear,' is believed to be behind many of these cyber incursions.

One prominent example of Russian influence-peddling is the Prague-based Voice of Europe platform, which is suspected of disseminating pro-Russian propaganda and making payments to EU politicians. The platform has conducted interviews with politicians from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), one of whom has been accused of possibly receiving Russian money. In late May, the EU sanctioned Voice of Europe for its 'systematic, international campaign of media manipulation and distortion of facts.'

Poland has also been a target of Russian interference. A fake news report was published on Poland's national news agency, PAP, claiming that Prime Minister Donald Tusk was mobilizing 200,000 men starting on July 1. Polish authorities believe this cyberattack was orchestrated by Russia to interfere with the upcoming European Parliament election. 'Everything indicates that we are dealing with a cyberattack directed from the Russian side,' said Krzysztof Gawkowski, Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Affairs Minister.

Belgium is another country struggling with allegations of Russian influence. A 37-page dossier circulated by Belgian politician Marta Barandiy claims that the far-right Vlaams Belang party has pro-Russian MPs and former MPs. The NVA and PVDA parties have also been linked to Russia-friendly individuals and academics. In response, Belgian authorities have expelled dozens of Russian spies and launched a judicial probe into allegations of bribery involving far-right MEPs.

The EU has taken steps to address these concerns, including setting up a disinformation crisis unit to monitor and combat foreign interference. The unit has identified hundreds of incidents across the bloc and aims to deal with attacks on the legitimacy of the election results, which are expected to continue for weeks after the polls close.

As Europeans head to the polls, the threat of Russian interference remains a pressing issue. The long-term consequences of these activities could undermine trust in democratic institutions and the electoral process, posing significant challenges for the EU and its member states.

Key Takeaways

• Russia accused of cyberattacks, disinformation, and bribery in EU elections.
• Disinformation campaigns aim to discredit parties and sow mistrust in electoral process.
• Cyberattacks target German parties, logistics companies, and IT services.
• Pro-Russian propaganda platform Voice of Europe sanctioned by EU.
• EU sets up disinformation crisis unit to combat foreign interference.