The European Parliament adopted on Thursday a coordinated strategy to protect against foreign interference in the run-up to the 2024 European elections, DPA reports.

Foreign interference, disinformation and attacks on democracy are likely to increase and become more difficult ahead of next June’s European elections, warned a report adopted by the European Parliament plenary on Thursday by 469 votes to 71.

In the report compiled by Latvian MEP Sandra Kalniete (member of the European People’s Party group), MEPs draw attention to external interference in online platforms and emphasize the need for better protection of critical infrastructure and strategic sectors.

In particular, the report refers to the interference of Russia and China in the European Union, in countries seeking to become EU members, including the Western Balkans, and in the countries of the so-called Global South.

Members of the European Parliament are calling for a ban on the TikTok media platform at all levels of national governments and EU institutions, and recommend banning hardware and software from manufacturers in high-risk countries, especially China and Russia.

The report also calls for a coordinated EU strategy and adequate funding to combat disinformation and support democratic processes.

“We must act urgently and quickly implement our recommendations. Significant and sustained investment is needed in our democratic capacity to return to normal life, learning from the experiences of our partners such as Ukraine and Taiwan,” said speaker Sandra Calniete. (Agerpress)