Pegasus Commission studies asking Spain to clarify spying on people who were not threats to national security

Calls for a moratorium on the purchase and use of spyware and narrowing the definition of national security

BRUSSELS, 24 Ene. (EUROPE PRESS) -

The European Parliament's commission of inquiry into espionage with the Pegasus software is studying to ask Spain to clarify the attacks on people who were not threats to national security, within the framework of a resolution proposal with a series of recommendations for the Twenty-seven and the European Comission.

This document, prepared by the Dutch liberal Sophie In't Veld, is the main political act that will come out of the commission created 'ad hoc' to investigate cyber espionage in the Union, although it will still be subject to amendments by the groups before of its vote in committee and in plenary session.

The resolution proposal concludes that Spain raises "questions" about the use of cyber espionage since "although the regulatory framework in Spain seems to be in line" with the requirements established by the EU Treaties and by the rulings of the European courts, MEPs they have been subjected to cyber espionage and lawyers, politicians, activists and journalists "were attacked when there were no charges against them or imminent threats to national security."

For all these reasons, the text calls on the Spanish authorities to provide complete clarity in all alleged cases of spyware use, guarantee real and significant legal protection for all victims, and that investigations be concluded without delay.

Apart from specific measures for Poland, Hungary, Greece, Cyprus and Spain, in general terms the In't Veld resolution calls for a moratorium on the use of these programs, studying possible exceptions for Member States that have demonstrated responsible use and in accordance to fundamental rights.

It also calls for a common EU definition of the term national security, noting that Member States currently use it as a "wild card" and it serves to prevent cooperation and not allow access to information. "You have to define what rules apply and that they are based on European standards, this has become the wild west," she assured.

During the debate in committee, the PP MEP, Juan Ignacio Zoido, announced that his group will present amendments, defending that the document must be "balanced", reflect the findings of the missions and not prejudge the situation in the Member States.

Zoido has called for "caution" when treating "distorted accusations" as facts and has called for reflection on the need for spyware as "part of the security arsenal", defending that it is sometimes "essential" for the forces of the order. He has thus made clear his opposition to a possible moratorium or ban on tools like Pegasus in the EU.

On behalf of The Greens, Hannah Neumann has demanded that the burden of proof be reversed and that the Member States have to justify espionage for national security, emphasizing that in any situation the European conventions and the European Charter of Human Rights are respected. .

Meanwhile, Left MEP Cornelia Ernst has advocated going further by calling for these programs to be banned in the EU. "I don't think these programs can be reformed, borders have to be set," she insisted.