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Starting in 2016, [[Russia]] has made efforts to influence [[Politics of Europe|European politics]], in particular, to promote Russian goals, to undermine support for [[Ukraine]] in the [[Russo-Ukrainian War]], and to [[Destabilisation|destabilize]] [[Europe]].{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}} An important organization in these efforts is the Voice of Europe, a media outlet led by [[Viktor Medvedchuk]] and [[ Artem Marchevsky]]. The Voice of Europe was established in May 2023, headquartered in [[Prague]]. Early investigations by [[Czech Republic|Czech]] authorities determined that the Voice of Europe was one of a number of uncovered influence operations on European politics. In 2024 [[Security Information Service|the Czech secret intelligence service (BIS)]] uncovered a Russian state financed pro-Russian influence network with the public outlet Voice of Europe, using [[Right-wing politics|right-wing]] and [[Euroscepticism|Eurosceptic]] politicians to influence the [[Elections to the European Parliament|European elections]] and other elections. The network is suspected to have bribed several European politicians from different countries.<ref name="WP2"/>
{{Multiple issues|
{{over-quotation|date=April 2024}}
{{close paraphrasing|date=April 2024|source=https://www.politico.eu/article/voice-of-europe-russia-influence-scandal-election/}}
{{non-free|date=April 2024}}
{{One source|date=March 2024}}
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{{Short description|none}}
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The '''Voice of Europe case''' was one of a number of uncovered influence operations on European politics. In 2024 [[Security Information Service|the Czech secret intelligence service (BIS)]] uncovered a Russian state financed pro-russian influence network with the public outlet ''Voice of Europe'', using [[Right-wing politics|right-wing]] and [[Euroscepticism|Eurosceptic]] politicians to influence the [[Elections to the European Parliament|European elections]] and other elections. The network is suspected to have bribed several European politicians from different countries.


== History ==
== History ==
In 2016, a website with the name "Voice of Europe" was created in the Netherlands by an entrepreneur that “worked with” far-right leader [[Thierry Baudet]] “to bring about the [[2016 Dutch Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement referendum|Ukraine referendum]],” a Dutch newspaper wrote, referring to a nonbinding vote in which Dutch voters opposed a [[European Union–Ukraine Association Agreement|political association agreement between Ukraine and the]] [[European Union]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vinocur |first1=Nicholas |title=Russian influence scandal rocks EU |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/voice-of-europe-russia-influence-scandal-election/ |website=Politico |access-date=14 June 2024}}</ref>
According to a report released on March 28, 2024, by the BIS, published by [[Denník N|Czech newspaper Denník N]], Russia paid hundreds of thousands of Euros through its [[Prague]]-based [[Far-right politics|right-wing rhetoric]] "Voice of Europe" website to European politicians (mainly from The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Hungary and Poland) in order to influence influence European elections in favour of positions against Ukraine and [[European Union|the EU]], by means of right-wing, [[Euroscepticism|Eurosceptic]] politicians.


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In 2023, Voice of Europe was relaunched and from then on had an address near [[Wenceslas Square]] in Prague. In March 2023, a Polish businessman, Jacek Jakubczyk, took over all shares in the company in the legal form of a [[S.r.o. (llc)|s.r.o.]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Crossland |first1=David |title=Exposed: hard-right European politicians ‘on Putin’s payroll’ |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/exposed-hard-right-european-politicians-on-putins-payroll-fq5jb362g |website=The Times |access-date=14 June 2024}}</ref>
Examples of politicians allegedly implicated in the campaign include [[Forum for Democracy|Dutch FvD]] party leader [[Thierry Baudet]], who was interviewed by the "Voice of Europe", and Belgian [[Filip Dewinter]] of [[Vlaams Belang|Vlaams Belang party]]. Baudet himself systematically denied receiving such donations, notably during [[Dutch withdrawal from the European Union|a parliamentary debate on an exit from the EU]].


In May 2024, Voice of Europe, which is run by [[Viktor Medvedchuk]], was sanctioned by the European Union.<ref>{{cite web |title=EU imposes sanctions on Voice of Europe, businessmen over Russian 'disinformation |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-sanctions-voice-europe-related-businessmen-czech-ministry-says-2024-05-27/ |website=Reuters |access-date=14 June 2024}}</ref>
According to a quote of a senior Czech official published by Denník N, “The main purpose of Voice of Europe was to spread the frame that peace is only possible if Ukraine gives up the right to defend its sovereignty and integrity”. According to BIS, the "Voice of Europe" was run by [[Viktor Medvedchuk]], a former Ukrainian oligarch who has been close friends with [[Vladimir Putin|Russian President Putin]] for many years. Medvedchuk was immediately placed on the sanctions list by the Czech Republic, as was his close associate [[Artem Marchevsky]].


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News reports published by the Voice of Europe have stated that foreigners are responsible for more than half of all serious crimes in [[Frankfurt|Frankfurt, Germany]], and that [[Emmanuel Macron|French President Macron]]'s campaign on the Russian danger is not appealing to French voters, according to recent polls. ''[[Le Monde]]'' has reported that [[General Directorate for Internal Security|the DGSI]] was investigating a pro-Russian campaign towards the European elections next June.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.parool.nl/wereld/tsjechische-geheime-dienst-rusland-betaalde-cash-aan-bevriende-nederlandse-en-europese-politici~bcb86a89/?referrer=https://www.google.nl/|title=Czech secret service: Russia paid cash to friendly Dutch and European politicians|website=[[Parool]]|language=nl|access-date=March 29, 2024}}</ref>
Voice of Europe has also been put on the sanctions list, meaning all financial assets have been frozen. The news site can continue to operate, but money can no longer be transferred to people affiliated with it.


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=== Investigations, sanctions, and reactions ===
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"Voice of Europe" news reports have stated that foreigners are responsible for more than half of all serious crimes in [[Frankfurt|Frankfurt, Germany]], and that [[Emmanuel Macron|French President Macron]]'s campaign on the Russian danger is not appealing to French voters, according to recent polls. ''[[Le Monde]]'' has reported that [[General Directorate for Internal Security|the DGSI]] was investigating a pro-Russian campaign towards the European elections next June.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.parool.nl/wereld/tsjechische-geheime-dienst-rusland-betaalde-cash-aan-bevriende-nederlandse-en-europese-politici~bcb86a89/?referrer=https://www.google.nl/|title=Czech secret service: Russia paid cash to friendly Dutch and European politicians|website=[[Parool]]|language=nl|access-date=March 29, 2024}}</ref>
Voice of Europe has been on sanctions lists since March 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Czech Government Approves Listings to the National Sanctions List on the basis of the Proposal by Foreign Minister |url=https://mzv.gov.cz/jnp/en/issues_and_press/press_releases/the_czech_government_approves_listings.html |website=mzv.gov.cz |access-date=14 June 2024}}</ref> Although its financial assets have been frozen, the news site can continue to operate.


In March 2023, the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs alleged that Voice of Europe was a "Russian influence operation" designed to "undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine."<ref>{{cite web |title=Pro-Russia oligarch accused of running influence operation in EU
== Website ==
|url=https://www.ft.com/content/a5dcd2b0-e87f-4017-a018-ffded6f5f606 |website=Financial Times |access-date=14 June 2024}}</ref>
The website has its roots in the Netherlands. An entrepreneur linked to the site at the time “worked with” far-right leader [[Thierry Baudet]] in 2016 “to bring about the Ukraine referendum,” a Dutch newspaper wrote, referring to a nonbinding vote in which Dutch voters opposed a political association agreement between Ukraine and the EU.<ref name=":0" />


== Politicans involved with Voice of Europe ==
⚫
In 2023, ''Voice of Europe'' was relaunched and from then on had an address near [[Wenceslas Square]] in Prague. In March 2024, a Polish businessman, Jacek Jakubczyk, took over all shares in the company in the legal form of a [[S.r.o. (llc)|s.r.o.]]
⚫
Voice of Europe has provided a media platform for several far-right Eurosceptic parties. The politicians typically promote viewpoints such as: opposing the [[European Green Deal]], predicting the imminent collapse of the European Union, or attacking Ukraine. Politicians promoted by the Voice of Europe include:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2024-03-29 |title=Russian influence scandal rocks EU |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/voice-of-europe-russia-influence-scandal-election/ |access-date=2024-04-09 |website=[[Politico|POLITICO]] |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="WP2"/>

== Involved politicans ==
Voice of Europe’s YouTube page throws up a parade of EU lawmakers, many of them belonging to far-right Euroskeptic parties. They agree in opposition against the Green Deal, predict the Union’s imminent collapse or attack Ukraine.<ref name=":0" />
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by last name♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by last name♦♦♦--->
* [[Thierry Baudet|'''Thierry Baudet''']], [[Forum for Democracy|Dutch FvD]]. Baudet was interviewed by the "Voice of Europe" and systematically denied receiving donations, notably during [[Dutch withdrawal from the European Union|a parliamentary debate on an exit from the EU]].
* [[Thierry Baudet]], [[Forum for Democracy|Dutch FvD]]. Baudet was interviewed by the Voice of Europe and systematically denied receiving donations, notably during [[Dutch withdrawal from the European Union|a parliamentary debate on an exit from the European Union]].
* [[Filip Brusselmans]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tijd.be/politiek-economie/europa/algemeen/federaal-parket-opent-onderzoek-naar-russische-inmenging-in-europees-parlement/10539531.html?_sp_ses=331fbb15-d28a-4e85-9970-622eb3ff1339|title=Het federaal parket heeft een onderzoek geopend naar Russische inmenging in het Europees Parlement. Dat heeft premier Alexander De Croo vrijdag gezegd.|language=nl|newspaper=[[De Tijd]]|date=April 12, 2024}}</ref> Belgian politician and political activist.
* [[Filip Brusselmans]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tijd.be/politiek-economie/europa/algemeen/federaal-parket-opent-onderzoek-naar-russische-inmenging-in-europees-parlement/10539531.html?_sp_ses=331fbb15-d28a-4e85-9970-622eb3ff1339|title=Het federaal parket heeft een onderzoek geopend naar Russische inmenging in het Europees Parlement. Dat heeft premier Alexander De Croo vrijdag gezegd.|language=nl|newspaper=[[De Tijd]]|date=April 12, 2024}}</ref> Belgian politician and political activist.
* [[Petr Bystron|'''Petr Bystron''']], German [[Alternative for Germany|AfD]], candidate for European Elections 2024. In April 2024 the [[Public prosecutor's office|Munich Public Prosecutor's Office]] initiated preliminary investigations because of possible bribery of elected officials. According to [[Die Zeit]], Public Prosecuter Office suspected that 20,000 euros were handed over at a meeting between Bystron and employees of Russian propaganda in Prague.<ref>{{Cite web |last=deutschlandfunk.de |title=Affäre um prorussische Desinformation - Generalstaatsanwaltschaft München nimmt Vorermittlungen im Fall Bystron auf |url=https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/generalstaatsanwaltschaft-muenchen-nimmt-vorermittlungen-im-fall-bystron-auf-100.html |access-date=2024-04-09 |website=Die Nachrichten |language=de}}</ref>
* [[Petr Bystron]], German [[Alternative for Germany|AfD]], candidate for European Elections 2024. In April 2024 the [[Public prosecutor's office|Munich Public Prosecutor's Office]] initiated preliminary investigations because of possible bribery of elected officials. According to [[Die Zeit]], Public Prosecuter Office suspected that 20,000 euros were handed over at a meeting between Bystron and employees of Russian propaganda in Prague.<ref>{{Cite web |last=deutschlandfunk.de |title=Affäre um prorussische Desinformation - Generalstaatsanwaltschaft München nimmt Vorermittlungen im Fall Bystron auf |url=https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/generalstaatsanwaltschaft-muenchen-nimmt-vorermittlungen-im-fall-bystron-auf-100.html |access-date=2024-04-09 |website=Die Nachrichten |language=de}}</ref>
* [[Filip Dewinter|'''Filip Dewinter''']], [[Vlaams Belang|Vlaams Belang party]]
* [[Filip Dewinter]], [[Vlaams Belang|Vlaams Belang party]]
* '''[[Matteo Gazzini]],''' Italian [[Forza Italia]], former [[Lega Nord]]. He gave ''Voice of Europe'' an interview and participated in a panel debate alongside other MEPs. He denied being offered or taking any money.<ref name=":0" />
* [[Matteo Gazzini]], Italian [[Forza Italia]], former [[Lega Nord]]. He gave ''Voice of Europe'' an interview and participated in a panel debate alongside other MEPs. He denied being offered or taking any money.<ref name=":0" />
* [[Maximilian Krah|'''Maximilan Krah''']], German AfD, top-candicate for European Elections 2024 and already [[Member of the European Parliament|MEP]].
* [[Maximilian Krah]], German AfD, top-candicate for European Elections 2024 and already [[Member of the European Parliament|MEP]].


=== Payments to far-right European politicians ===
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== Investigations and governmental reactions ==
Authorities in Germany and Czech Republic determined that Russia used the Voice of Europe organization to provide funds to far-right, Eurosceptic, politicians (mainly in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Hungary and Poland) in order to influence European elections in favour of positions against Ukraine and the European Union.<ref name="WP2">{{cite news |title=Russia co-opts far-right politicians in Europe with cash, officials say |first1=Catherine |last1=Belton |first2=Souad |last2=Mekhennet |date=3 June 2024 |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/06/03/russia-europe-far-right-espionage/ |work=[[Washington Post]] |access-date=3 June 2024 |quote=A Kremlin-backed media outlet — the Prague-based Voice of Europe — funneled hundreds of thousands of euros to far-right politicians, officials say.}}</ref>
The Czech foreign ministry sanctioned oligarch [[Viktor Medvedchuk]] as well as Voice of Europe itself and a person called Artem Pavlovich Marchevskyi presumed to be involved in the operation.<ref name=":0" />

Polish security services declared, they had carried out searches as part of the cross-border investigation in Warsaw and Tychy in western Poland. Local media cited the security services' statement saying authorities had seized €48,500 and $36,000.<ref name=":0" />

== Political Reactions ==
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"The Kremlin is using dodgy outlets pretending to be media [and] using money to buy covert influence,” said Czech European Commission Vice President [[Věra Jourová]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2024-03-29 |title=Russian influence scandal rocks EU |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/voice-of-europe-russia-influence-scandal-election/ |access-date=2024-04-09 |website=[[Politico|POLITICO]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
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* [[Russian Laundromat]]
* [[Russian Laundromat]]


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections}}{{Disinformation}}
{{Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections}}{{Disinformation}}


[[Category:Russian interference in British politics| ]]
[[Category:2024 in Europe]]
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[[Category:Belgium–Russia relations]]
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[[Category:Czech Republic–Russia relations]]
[[Category:Foreign electoral intervention]]
[[Category:Foreign electoral intervention]]
[[Category:Russia–European Union relations]]
[[Category:France–Russia relations]]
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[[Category:Czech Republic–Russia relations]]
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[[Category:Netherlands–Russia relations]]
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[[Category:Belgium–Russia relations]]
[[Category:Germany–Russia relations]]
[[Category:Germany–Russia relations]]
[[Category:France–Russia relations]]
[[Category:Hungary–Russia relations]]
[[Category:Hungary–Russia relations]]
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[[Category:Netherlands–Russia relations]]
[[Category:Poland–Russia relations]]
[[Category:Poland–Russia relations]]
[[Category:2024 in Europe]]
[[Category:Russia–European Union relations]]

{{CzechRepublic-poli-stub}}
{{Espionage-stub}}

Latest revision as of 04:07, 25 June 2024

Starting in 2016, Russia has made efforts to influence European politics, in particular, to promote Russian goals, to undermine support for Ukraine in the Russo-Ukrainian War, and to destabilize Europe.[citation needed] An important organization in these efforts is the Voice of Europe, a media outlet led by Viktor Medvedchuk and Artem Marchevsky. The Voice of Europe was established in May 2023, headquartered in Prague. Early investigations by Czech authorities determined that the Voice of Europe was one of a number of uncovered influence operations on European politics. In 2024 the Czech secret intelligence service (BIS) uncovered a Russian state financed pro-Russian influence network with the public outlet Voice of Europe, using right-wing and Eurosceptic politicians to influence the European elections and other elections. The network is suspected to have bribed several European politicians from different countries.[1]

History

In 2016, a website with the name "Voice of Europe" was created in the Netherlands by an entrepreneur that “worked with” far-right leader Thierry Baudet “to bring about the Ukraine referendum,” a Dutch newspaper wrote, referring to a nonbinding vote in which Dutch voters opposed a political association agreement between Ukraine and the European Union.[2]

In 2023, Voice of Europe was relaunched and from then on had an address near

s.r.o.[3]

In May 2024, Voice of Europe, which is run by Viktor Medvedchuk, was sanctioned by the European Union.[4]

News reports published by the Voice of Europe have stated that foreigners are responsible for more than half of all serious crimes in Frankfurt, Germany, and that French President Macron's campaign on the Russian danger is not appealing to French voters, according to recent polls. Le Monde has reported that the DGSI was investigating a pro-Russian campaign towards the European elections next June.[5]

Investigations, sanctions, and reactions

Voice of Europe has been on sanctions lists since March 2024.[6] Although its financial assets have been frozen, the news site can continue to operate.

In March 2023, the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs alleged that Voice of Europe was a "Russian influence operation" designed to "undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine."[7]

Politicans involved with Voice of Europe

Voice of Europe has provided a media platform for several far-right Eurosceptic parties. The politicians typically promote viewpoints such as: opposing the European Green Deal, predicting the imminent collapse of the European Union, or attacking Ukraine. Politicians promoted by the Voice of Europe include:[8][1]

Payments to far-right European politicians

Authorities in Germany and Czech Republic determined that Russia used the Voice of Europe organization to provide funds to far-right, Eurosceptic, politicians (mainly in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Hungary and Poland) in order to influence European elections in favour of positions against Ukraine and the European Union.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^
    Washington Post
    . Retrieved 3 June 2024. A Kremlin-backed media outlet — the Prague-based Voice of Europe — funneled hundreds of thousands of euros to far-right politicians, officials say.
  2. ^ Vinocur, Nicholas. "Russian influence scandal rocks EU". Politico. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  3. ^ Crossland, David. "Exposed: hard-right European politicians 'on Putin's payroll'". The Times. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  4. ^ "EU imposes sanctions on Voice of Europe, businessmen over Russian 'disinformation". Reuters. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  5. Parool
    (in Dutch). Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  6. ^ "The Czech Government Approves Listings to the National Sanctions List on the basis of the Proposal by Foreign Minister". mzv.gov.cz. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  7. ^ "Pro-Russia oligarch accused of running influence operation in EU". Financial Times. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  8. ^ a b "Russian influence scandal rocks EU". POLITICO. 2024-03-29. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  9. ^ "Het federaal parket heeft een onderzoek geopend naar Russische inmenging in het Europees Parlement. Dat heeft premier Alexander De Croo vrijdag gezegd". De Tijd (in Dutch). April 12, 2024.
  10. ^ deutschlandfunk.de. "Affäre um prorussische Desinformation - Generalstaatsanwaltschaft München nimmt Vorermittlungen im Fall Bystron auf". Die Nachrichten (in German). Retrieved 2024-04-09.
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