A recent intelligence briefing reveals that Russia is allegedly using a Serbian operative, Novica Antić, to infiltrate EU institutions and promote pro-Kremlin narratives about the Ukraine conflict.
The documents, seen by Politico, suggest that Antić, known as an “agent of influence”, had meetings with European officials, including Members of the European Parliament.
The MEPs involved, including Viola von Cramon-Taubadel, Alessandra Moretti, and Vladimír Bilčík, were reportedly unaware of Antić’s connections to Russia.
They are yet to provide comments on the matter.
Antić, the chair of the Serbian Military Trade Union, is said to have criticised Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and the country’s armed forces during his activities.
The intelligence briefing points to his collaboration with Vyacheslav Kalinin, an associate of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).
The report also highlights Russia’s strategy of using Serbia for influence operations to weaken pro-EU and pro-NATO sentiments.
The briefing read: “They took every opportunity to promote Russian propaganda relating to the war in Ukraine.”
Antić’s recent arrest has led to a hunger strike, and tensions have risen following his criticism of the Serbian Defence Ministry’s policies.
This disclosure raises concerns about the vulnerability of the European Parliament to potential state-backed influence operations, highlighting the need for vigilance in safeguarding against such activities.
