EURO MPS want to brainwash children with “sinister” Soviet-style propaganda on a new website, it was claimed yesterday.

European Parliament chiefs are considering setting up a site to target young children with a “playful” presentation of their working methods and democratic principles.

It adds to concern highlighted by the Daily Express about ­educational materials produced for schools by the European ­Commission that critics claim are a bid to make children feel ­positive about the EU.

UK Independence Party ­deputy leader Paul Nuttall MEP said: “A European Parliament website targeted at children really is a step too far.

“It is a sinister development so reminiscent of the totalitarian regime of Soviet Russia. The EU clearly wants to use your taxes to brainwash your kids.

EU institutions already spend over £2billion a year on ‘communications’ but this exercise in funding kiddie propaganda really is cash for EU trash.

“Our children need to be ­protected from this type of ­political propaganda because they are vulnerable and easily manipulated. Of course, that is the reason they are being ­cynically targeted by the European Parliament.”

Claiming it was another ­example of the EU involving itself in policy that is meant to be the preserve of national governments, Mr Nuttall added: “We have seen a profusion of cartoons, comics, schoolbooks and videos from the EU which are aimed at our ­children and are obvious ­propaganda.

“People should be aware of this and prevent this stuff coming into their homes and their children’s school. Political propaganda on vulnerable kids is a form of child abuse.”

The website proposal is part of the European Parliament’s 2011?14 communication strategy.

The proposal document reads: “Research has shown the social and political perception of young people starts at a very early age.

“In a playful manner which is tailored to the needs of young internet users, a special Europarl website could bring democratic principles and the working of the methods of the European ­Parliament closer to children.”

Targeting children has been identified as a priority because of the low turnout in the 2009 ­European elections.