The article discusses the fine line between foreign meddling and freedom of speech in the modern world of communication and how it impacts the future of Europe. The author, MEP András László, explains how technology has blurred the red lines of sovereignty and raises questions about what constitutes foreign interference, especially in the EU where Member States share sovereignty. László notes that Hungary has been a target of foreign interference in its domestic politics, especially during the 2022 national elections where leftist parties received significant amounts of foreign funding. Despite the obvious interference, EU institutions did not take action until Hungary passed a sovereignty protection law, which the European Commission opposed.
The author points out instances of foreign interference in other European countries as well, such as Poland and Italy, where EU funds were leveraged to influence election outcomes. László highlights how Ursula von der Leyen and Manfred Weber used their influence to financially sanction and politically pressure Hungary while also publicly naming their choice for the next Hungarian prime minister during a European Parliament debate. However, when Elon Musk recently criticized European leadership, some claimed it was foreign meddling, leading to calls for an official inquiry committee. The author points to the contrasting treatment of Musk and George Soros, a left-wing billionaire who has been commenting on European politics and influencing policy recommendations for years without being labeled as engaging in foreign interference.
The article argues that the EU has lost its way in upholding European ideals of peace, prosperity, and mutual respect through dialogue and cooperation. The author suggests that the EU needs to refrain from interference and respect the democratic choices made by people during elections. László emphasizes the need to make Europe great again by focusing on transparency in election processes and ensuring that foreign interference does not undermine the sovereignty of Member States. The author calls for a return to the core principles of the European integration process, building trust through mutual interests and respect among all players.
In conclusion, MEP András László raises important questions about the impact of foreign interference in European politics and the role of technology in blurring the lines between sovereignty and freedom of speech. The article highlights instances of foreign meddling in Hungary, Poland, and Italy, where EU funds were used to influence election outcomes. The author criticizes the European Commission for its lack of action against such interference and calls for a return to the core values of the European integration process. László emphasizes the need for transparency in election processes and respect for democratic choices to uphold peace, prosperity, and mutual respect in Europe.
