MEP Fabio De Masi (NI) has asked the European Commission to disclose what it knows about interference by Israeli intelligence firm Black Cube in Slovenian elections and to outline which tools from the European Democracy Shield it will deploy. The written question, submitted on 16 April 2026, follows press reports that Black Cube ran extensive intelligence and influence operations aimed at swaying Slovenia's national parliamentary vote.
De Masi's three-part question seeks information on the scope of Black Cube's activities in Slovenia and other EU member states, whether the Commission is aware of other agencies operating to influence EU elections, and which specific instruments from the European Democracy Shield toolkit the Commission plans to use against such foreign interference. The question contains concrete asks for data and policy instruments, rather than vague commitments.
The MEP's intervention signals a push for stronger EU-level action against covert election meddling by private intelligence actors. By referencing the Democracy Shield, De Masi aligns with the Commission's stated priority of protecting democratic processes, but presses for concrete implementation details. The question also implies that current safeguards may be insufficient, especially regarding non-state foreign actors.
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will indicate whether it views Black Cube's activities as a systemic threat requiring new measures, or as an isolated case covered by existing rules. This will clarify the Commission's stance on expanding the Democracy Shield's scope to include private espionage firms.
Stakeholders impacted include EU citizens and voters, whose electoral integrity is at stake; EU member state governments, which may face pressure to tighten national security laws; private intelligence firms like Black Cube, which could face new restrictions; and EU institutions, which may need to allocate resources for monitoring and enforcement.