Belgian prosecutors are investigating Russia's possible interference in the upcoming European Parliament elections based on findings provided by intelligence agencies.
This was stated by Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Reuters reports.
It has been established that Russian groups are interfering in European elections to nominate pro-Russian candidates. This will help weaken European support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
"The goal is to help elect more pro-Russian candidates to the European Parliament and to strengthen a certain pro-Russian narrative in that institution," De Croo said, adding that "weakened European support for Ukraine serves Russia on the battlefield."
The Belgian prime minister also said that the investigation was launched after the Czech authorities discovered active pro-Russian agents in Brussels trying to influence European lawmakers and even pay them to promote the pro-Russian agenda.
De Croo added that he had asked for an urgent convocation of Eurojust to discuss the issue, and suggested that the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) should also open a case.
Ahead of the European elections in June, parties that have criticised EU support for Ukraine, such as the far-right Front National in France, the Austrian Freedom Party, and Alternative for Germany, risk gaining more votes than they did five years ago.