The Senate unanimously approved a report on Friday mapping out the impact of foreign interference, recommending countermeasures following a year-long study.
The issue has gained significance due to recent cases suspected of foreign involvement and disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilising public opinion and democracy. There is heightened vigilance from intelligence services as elections approach.
“A cultural shift is necessary for Belgium to realise its vulnerability,” warns the report, compiled by reporters Helène Ryckmans (Ecolo-Groen), Steven Coenegrachts (Open VLD) and Gregor Freches (MR).
Several recommendations have been made. For politics, these include a good conduct code during elections and improved transparency of party financing pre-elections and media policies. Ethical guidelines in each parliament regarding allowances, trips, dinners, and gifts from foreign countries have been advocated.
Emphasis is also placed on training campaigns for public authorities and the private sector, particularly with SMEs who are often oblivious to the risk, and the need for improved protection in the academic sector. Screening of foreign investment in strategic sectors, a measure put into effect last year, is also reiterated.
Foreign interference often targets diasporas. A liaison point is proposed between certain public services and diasporas to ensure they stay informed of situations such as threats or intimidation.
Internet and social media are areas where this interference commonly occurs. The report advocates a systematic, proactive approach, removing misleading content, refuting false information and disseminating factual details about the importance of democracy and human rights.
The exploration for better counterintelligence capabilities is expressed in the report. Several countries are named in the report, with some seen as Belgium’s partners or allies: China, Russia, Qatar, Morocco, Turkey, Israel, and the United States.
