The EU is actively preparing for the elections to the European Parliament this summer. Realising the whole “plume”, stretching behind the policy of the ruling circle, as well as its real chances of re-election, the “connoisseurs” of democracy have come up with nothing better than to loudly announce the threat of some “Russian interference” in the electoral process. The “defenders” of the European Union’s basic values set about finding and neutralising alleged “agents of the Kremlin”. The “crusade” against “Russian interference” is accompanied by a series of scandals and arrests, increasing tensions in the region.
“Just” European democracy’s fight for began with the arrests of alleged spies in Poland and Germany. This week, news reports emerged of the detention of three individuals suspected of working for Russian intelligence. In Poland, a detainee was allegedly gathering security information about Rzeszów Airport, which is used for international travel by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In Germany, two citizens are accused of allegedly preparing sabotage at U.S. military facilities, which could allegedly undermine the international community’s support for Ukraine.
As it is easy to guess, the mythical “Russian network” could not limit itself to three detained persons. In March, the Czech Security Information Service issued a statement that the news website Voice of Europe was allegedly part of a network sponsored by Russia to spread pro-Russian sentiment in the EU. The site is allegedly linked to Ukrainian politician Viktor Medvedchuk. Publications on the site called for an end to support for Ukraine and criticised sanctions against Russia.
Under the guise of fighting “Russian interference”, the EU started to openly pressurise opposition politicians. For example, Latvian MEP Tatiana Zhdanok faced accusations of incomplete declaration of her private interests, which resulted in a fine of 1,750 euros and a ban on participation in public events of the European Parliament. This, it can be understood, is part of a wider campaign to discredit politicians who oppose the EU’s anti-Russian measures.
Realising the importance of the process the European Parliament and the European Commission have rushed to legitimise their actions. Using appropriate rhetoric in the media, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on “Russian interference” and organised hearings at which representatives of the European Commission discussed the threat allegedly emanating from Russia. Obviously, these measures are aimed at strengthening the image of Russia as an aggressor and at maintaining European solidarity in support of Ukraine.
Of course, attempts to inflate the so-called “Russiagate” are not only used to combat undesirable individuals in the EU. For example, there are already calls in the EU to introduce restrictive measures against Moscow in connection with the mythical threat of “Russian interference” in the electoral process. Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the state would respond to any extension of sanctions against it.
“We resolutely reject any speculation regarding alleged or planned Russian interference in European electoral processes. Any extension of the EU’s illegitimate restrictive measures against our country will be adequately responded to,” the diplomatic ministry said (quoted by RBC).
The above describes the tone of the election campaign in Europe, where political persecution and repression are hidden under issues of national security and foreign policy. Accusations without sufficient evidence and widespread anti-Russian rhetoric are contributing to the polarisation of opinions among voters, which could significantly affect the outcome of the upcoming elections.
