The European Parliament has called for a concerted plan to defend European elections from foreign meddling in 2024.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) predicted that foreign meddling, disinformation, and attacks on democracy would rise and become more sophisticated in the run-up to the June elections.
The warning was contained in a report passed by plenary in Brussels with 469 votes in favor and 71 votes against.
MEPs raised concerns in the report about interference on online platforms, as well as the protection of essential infrastructure and strategic sectors.
Interference in electoral processes, covert funding of political activities by foreign players, and cyberattack resilience were also mentioned as dangers.
The research focused on Russian and Chinese intervention in the EU, as well as in nations seeking to join the EU, such as the Western Balkans and countries in the Global South.
The research advocated for the social media platform TikTok to be banned at all levels of national government and in EU institutions.
It also suggested a restriction on equipment and software from high-risk countries, including China and Russia.
Parliament desired a unified EU approach and appropriate money to combat disinformation and protect democratic processes.
Foreign meddling in democratic processes, according to Rapporteur Sandra Kalniete, is an increasing threat to security.
“We must act urgently and implement our recommendations quickly.
“Significant and lasting investment must be made in our democratic resilience, drawing on the experience of our partners like Ukraine and Taiwan.”
NAN
