European Lawmakers to Vote on Tracking Russian Funds for EU Parties

The European Parliament said that a non-legislative draft resolution will be put up for vote at the European parliament next week to monitor Russia’s alleged funding of EU political parties, in a bid to curb Moscow’s involvement in the region.

BRUSSELS (Sputnik) — A non-legislative draft resolution will be put up for vote at the European parliament next week to monitor Russia’s alleged funding of EU political parties, in a bid to curb Moscow’s involvement in the region, the European Parliament said Friday.

According to the next week’s plenary session agenda, a debate on the state of EU-Russia relations and Russian political influence is scheduled for Wednesday, followed by a vote on Thursday.

The paper will call on the European Commission and 28 EU member states to "devise a coordinated mechanism for transparency of and for the collection, monitoring and reporting of financial, political or technical assistance provided by Russia to political parties and other organisations within the EU."

The document said the aim was to assess Russia’s influence over the bloc and its eastern neighbours, including political life and public opinion. The sides will also consider how to respond to Russia’s suspected involvement.

Russia's relations with the European Union have deteriorated amid a year-long ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Brussels accuses Moscow of trying to spread its propaganda in the region, while Russia insists the West has adopted a one-sided approach to Ukrainian events.