Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Tuesday, Jun 24, 2025

Pegasus scandal: governments remain silent while Brussels looks away

Pegasus scandal: governments remain silent while Brussels looks away

European Parliament members put pressure on the European Commission (EC) during a plenary debate on Thursday regarding the Pegasus surveillance scandal. Speaking representatives questioned the EU supervisory and executive body for passively watching as member states refuse to cooperate with the parliament's ad hoc committee (PEGA) investigating the use of spyware. The EC cited limitations to its jurisdiction, which many members of the parliamentary body questioned.
Jeroen Lenaers, the chair of PEGA, criticized the fact that out of the 27 questionnaires sent last summer, which contained questions about the use, legal regulation, prior authorization, and subsequent control of spyware, only ten member states responded.

Representatives from the Hungarian and Polish governments refused to meet with the investigating committee's delegation, which the Dutch Christian Democrat politician called scandalous. His compatriot, liberal Sophie in't Veld, stated that both member states and the European Commission are complicit in protecting the destruction of democracy.

She criticized the Commission for not launching proceedings against countries that repeatedly violate EU law.

In contrast, Hungarian Fidesz representative Schaller-Baross Ernő argued during the debate that the European Parliament oversteps its bounds when it investigates matters of national security, produces reports, or organizes visits to Hungary.

Mairead McGuinness, the Commissioner responsible for financial services, did not ease the critics' concerns when she repeated the EC's position, stating: that the Commission will continue to monitor the situation and hold member states accountable for any breaches of EU law. However, her response was met with skepticism by some representatives, who called for more concrete actions to be taken in response to the Pegasus scandal.

Overall, the debate highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the use of Pegasus spyware by governments around the world, and the role that the European Union and its member states should play in regulating its use.

While some representatives argue that the EU should take a more proactive stance in protecting democracy and human rights, others believe that national security concerns should take precedence over EU oversight.

As the Pegasus scandal continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the EU will navigate this complex and contentious issue.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Explosions Rock Doha as Iranian Missiles Target Qatar
“You Have 12 Hours to Flee”: Israeli Threat Campaign Targets Surviving Iranian Officials
Oman Set to Introduce Personal Income Tax, First in Gulf
Germany and Italy Under Pressure to Repatriate $245bn of Gold from US Vaults
Iran Intensifies Crackdown on Alleged Mossad Operatives After Sabotage Claims
Trump Praises Iran’s ‘Very Weak’ Response After U.S. Strikes and Presses Israel to Pursue Peace
WATCH: Israeli forces show the aftermath of a massive airstrike at Iran's Isfahan nuclear site
We have new information and breaking details to share about what is shaping up to be a historic air campaign tonight
Six Massive Bombs Dropped on Fordow; Trump: 'A Historic Moment for the U.S., Israel, and the World'
Fordow: Deeply Buried Iranian Enrichment Site in U.S.–Israel Crosshairs
United States Conducts Precision Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
US strikes Iran nuclear sites, Trump says
Pakistan to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize.
Israel Confirms Assassination of Quds Force Commander in Tehran
16 Billion Login Credentials Leaked in Unprecedented Cybersecurity Breach
Senate hearing on who was 'really running' Biden White House kicks off
G7 Leaders Fail to Reach Consensus on Key Global Issues
Mass exodus in Tehran as millions try to flee following Trump’s evacuation order
Iranian Military Officers Reportedly Seek Contact with Reza Pahlavi, Signal Intent to Defect
Vietnam Emerges as Luxury Yacht Destination for Ultra‑Rich
China's Iranian Oil Imports Face Disruption Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Trump Demands Iran's Unconditional Surrender Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli Airstrike Targets Iranian State TV in Central Tehran
President Trump is leaving the G7 summit early and has ordered the National Security Council to the Situation Room
Netanyahu Signals Potential Regime Change in Iran
Analysts Warn Iran May Resort to Unconventional Warfare
Iranian Regime Faces Existential Threat Amid Conflict
Energy Infrastructure Becomes War Zone in Middle East
Iran Conducts Ballistic Missile Launches Amid Heightened Tensions with Israel
Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Negotiations Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions
Shock Within Iran’s Leadership: Khamenei’s Failed Plan to Launch 1,000 Missiles Against Israel
Trump's Anti-War Stance Tested Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
UK Deploys Jets to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions
Exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi Urges Overthrow of Khamenei Regime
Wreck of $17 Billion San José Galleon Identified Off Colombia After 300 Years
Iran Launches Extensive Missile Attack on Israel Following Israeli Strikes on Nuclear Sites
Israel Issues Ultimatum to Iran Over Potential Retaliation and Nuclear Facilities
Black Box Recovered from Air India Crash Site
Coinbase CEO Warns Bitcoin Could Supplant US Dollar Amid Mounting National Debt
Trump to Iran: Make a Deal — Sign or Die
Operation "Like a Lion": Israel Strikes Iran in Unprecedented Offensive
Israel Launches 'Operation Rising Lion' Targeting Iranian Nuclear and Military Sites
Israeli Forces Intercept Gaza-Bound Aid Vessel Carrying Greta Thunberg
IMF Warns of Severe Global Trade War Impacts on Emerging Markets
Syria to Reconnect to Global Economy After 14 Years of Isolation
Israel Confirms Arming Gaza Clan to Counter Hamas Influence
Global News Roundup: From Ukraine's strategic military strikes and Russia's demands and Tensions Escalate in Ukraine, to serious legal issues faced by Britons in Bali and Trump's media criticism, the latest developments highlight a turbulent landscape
U.S. Reduces Military Presence in Syria
Trump Demands Iran End All Uranium Enrichment in Nuclear Talks
Iran Warns Europe Against Politicizing UN Nuclear Report
×