MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – French intelligence services allegedly call on Telegram to censor conservative voices in Romania – E-002218/2025

Question for written answer  E-002218/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Christine Anderson (ESN)

Pavel Durov, the founder of the Telegram messaging platform, has stated publicly that in spring 2025 Nicolas Lerner, the head of France’s foreign intelligence service (DGSE), asked him to suppress conservative Romanian voices on Telegram in the run-up to the presidential elections in Romania[1]. Durov maintains that he rejected the request. The French authorities have firmly rejected the allegations and described them as unfounded.

• 1.Is the Commission aware of any attempts by the French authorities or intelligence services to influence content on platforms such as Telegram in connection with the presidential elections in Romania, and how does the Commission assess such allegations with regard to upholding fundamental rights in the EU, in particular the freedom of speech and the freedom of information?
• 2.What steps is the Commission taking to ensure that Member States do not exert undue influence on digital platforms, especially in the context of elections in other Member States?
• 3.Is the Commission planning to look into these allegations and, if necessary, take action to protect the integrity of elections and the independence of digital communication platforms in the EU?

Submitted: 3.6.2025

• [1] https://t.me/durov/232