EU Faces Calls for Action Amid Spyware Inquiry MEP's Pegasus Infection
A former European Parliament member and spyware inquiry committee substitute was found to have been infected with Pegasus spyware in 2022 and 2023, sparking demands for the European Commission to take urgent action against spyware abuse. The incident raises concerns about the integrity of independent oversight in Europe.
Key points
- Stelios Kouloglou, a former Greek MEP and substitute member of the PEGA spyware inquiry committee, was infected with Pegasus spyware in October 2022 and March 2023.
- The infections occurred while Kouloglou was actively involved in the committee's hearings and deliberations.
- Civil liberties groups, including Amnesty International, accuse the EU of dragging its feet in implementing measures to prevent spyware infections.
- The European Commission has not commented on the incident, and the PEGA committee's 2023 recommendations remain largely unanswered.
- Pressure is mounting on the Commission to take urgent action against spyware abuse, with lawmakers describing the incident as an attack on the rule of law.
The European Union is facing calls for action after a former member of the European Parliament and a spyware inquiry committee substitute was found to have been infected with Pegasus spyware.
Stelios Kouloglou, a former Greek MEP, was infected with Pegasus in October 2022 and March 2023, while he was actively involved in the PEGA committee's hearings and deliberations. The incident raises serious concerns about the integrity of independent oversight in Europe.
Civil liberties groups, including Amnesty International, have accused the EU of dragging its feet in implementing measures to prevent spyware infections. The European Commission has not commented on the incident, and the PEGA committee's 2023 recommendations remain largely unanswered.
Pressure is mounting on the Commission to take urgent action against spyware abuse, with lawmakers describing the incident as an attack on the rule of law. The EU must take immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure the integrity of independent oversight in Europe.
The incident highlights the need for the EU to implement robust measures to prevent spyware infections and protect the rights of citizens. The Commission must take a strong stance against spyware abuse and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Sources
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