Finnish MEP Sebastian Tynkkynen has replied to Brussels Watch’s October 2025 report,
How Russian Govt Undermined the Work of European Institutes
saying the European Parliament needs stronger measures to counter foreign interference and close major transparency gaps.
In his response, obtained by Brussels Watch, Tynkkynen said current disclosure rules depend too much on what MEPs choose to declare, leaving “significant gaps in transparency” that must be addressed with additional safeguards. Brussels Watch’s report documented how Russian-linked actors have used proxy networks, opaque funding, and disinformation to influence European institutions.
Transparency Gaps
Tynkkynen said the existing ethics framework is only a starting point, not a sufficient defense against covert influence. He argued that stronger rules are needed to track indirect benefits, external income, and high-risk lobbying linked to third-country governments.
He also said transparency should not be left to voluntary self-reporting, because that approach allows foreign interference to hide in plain sight.
Office Safeguards
The MEP said his office takes a hard line on Russia-related issues, carefully reviewing voting lists and opposing pro-Russia amendments in Parliament. He said he and his team conduct background checks before accepting meeting requests and would refuse any approach from Russian state-linked organisations or intermediaries.
He added that his legislative work is guided by what he described as a firm anti-Russia position, including efforts in the AFET committee.
Reform Agenda
Tynkkynen said he is open to broad reforms, including stricter rules on external income and clear restrictions on lobbying activities tied to third-country governments. He also backed stronger parliamentary scrutiny of hostile foreign influence, saying such an initiative should examine not only Russia but also influence from China and Iran.
For such an inquiry to be credible, he said it would need support from a large majority of political groups.
Trust and Democracy
In the final part of his reply, Tynkkynen said Russian hybrid operations are damaging trust in institutions and public debate. He linked recent scandals such as Qatargate and Huaweigate to wider damage in the Parliament’s credibility.
He said it is his responsibility as an MEP to defend the interests of his voters, push for greater transparency, and support stricter rules so that “rotten apples” cannot remain hidden in Parliament.
Broader Significance
Tynkkynen’s response aligns with Brussels Watch’s warning that foreign influence is not only about formal lobbying, but also about indirect networks and weak enforcement. His call for tougher transparency rules and broader scrutiny adds pressure for reforms at a time when concerns over Russian interference remain high.
He closed by stressing that protecting freedom of speech is non-negotiable, while public trust remains a central pillar of democratic resilience.
