4
May
2022
Watch
Use of the Pegasus Software by EU Member States against individuals including MEPs and the violation of fundamental rights (topical debate)
Mr President, Commissioner! Pegasus has arrived in the heart of the European Union. In recent weeks and months, more and more revelations have emerged about the use of the Israeli private company's espionage software in several Member States. The establishment of a committee of inquiry is rather rare in the European Parliament, and this underlines the enormous importance of combating illegal wiretapping by citizens. It is about defending the fundamental rights of the European Union, its values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law. We have to restore confidence in the security of our citizens. The task of the Pegasus Committee of Inquiry is to investigate the purchase and use of espionage software by national governments. The allegations weigh heavily: Phones and devices of politicians, judges, prosecutors, journalists, opposition activists, human rights activists and diplomats are said to have been hacked, yes, have already been hacked. Huge amounts of data have been stolen, reaching far into the private sphere of the targeted individuals. In most cases, we do not know the identity of the persons who have unlawful access to this data. The dangers of directly influencing democratic processes are evident. Parliamentary elections have recently taken place in Hungary, and there are allegations that this spying software was used in the process. It is therefore necessary to clarify the extent to which the use of Pegasus has influenced election results in our Member States. The attack on media freedom through targeted wiretapping of critical journalists must also be investigated, precisely because the studies on yesterday's Freedom of the Press Day revealed appalling deteriorations in Member States. However, the Committee must not only focus on the Member States where national investigations are also underway, but must also involve the European institutions. And as the last few weeks have shown, we can all be the target of espionage attacks after monitoring not only Members of this House, the European Parliament, but also a Commissioner and EU officials and staff with espionage programmes. Our Committee of Inquiry, which was set up two weeks ago, is therefore facing an intensive work programme over the next twelve months. With hearings, studies and missions We will make every effort to fully clarify allegations, to carefully investigate all indications and indications. And with that, we want and will also end speculation. This discussion is a starting point. There's a lot at stake. We need a sustainable and clear strategy to combat the illegal use of espionage software in order to protect those affected and the fundamental values of Europe and to gain trust.