Wicklow — Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani warned that Russia’s influence operations could target upcoming European elections, calling the matter not only Italian but European, as he spoke before an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Ireland. Tajani’s remarks came amid a broader European concern that Russian interference operates as an ecosystem, encompassing cyberattacks against public institutions, false or manipulated content in domestic debates, amplification of polarising narratives, pressure on critical infrastructure, and attempts to turn social fatigue over Ukraine into political leverage.
The domestic trigger was a Financial Times profile of Roberto Vannacci, former general and leader of the Futuro Nazionale party, which suggested he could be a ‘Trojan horse’ for Russian influence in Italy.
Italian Politics and Russian Influence
Tajani did not endorse the ‘Trojan horse’ label, saying the FT was free to write what it wanted, but added that such claims must be proven and that he hoped they were ‘absolutely false’. Reuters reported that Futuro Nazionale has overtaken Forza Italia in polls, reaching 7.5% and becoming Italy’s fourth-largest political force only months after its launch.
Tajani’s warning has exposed a split within Italy’s coalition, as Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini pushed back against the alarm, saying Italians do not vote because of foreign influence and warning against what he called excessive ‘anti-Russian anxiety’. Tajani’s warning is preventive, not an accusation that the Italian vote has already been compromised.
European Elections and Russian Interference
Italy has long been one of Europe’s most exposed political arenas regarding Russia, with close economic ties before the war, a public debate sensitive to the costs of sanctions, and coalition forces that do not always speak with the same voice on Moscow. Across Europe, the debate on Russia has moved beyond tanks and missiles to the grey zone of sabotage, cyber operations, disinformation, and influence campaigns aimed at weakening support for Kyiv.
As the European elections approach, it remains to be seen how Russia’s influence operations will play out, and what measures will be taken to prevent them.
Looking Ahead
As the situation continues to unfold, it will be important to watch for any further statements from Tajani and other European leaders, as well as any actions taken by the EU to prevent Russian interference in the upcoming elections. With the elections on the horizon, the next few months will be crucial in determining the course of European politics and the extent of Russian influence.
