Even if some pieces of the surveillance and spyware puzzle are missing, everyone can see the big picture, said MEP Sophia in t Veld, rapporteur of the report of the European Parliament's committee of inquiry into the use of Pegasus and similar software (PEGA), noting that this is a European issue that does not only concern some Member States and touches on issues of democracy and fundamental rights.
Speaking to a group of journalists from Cyprus on Wednesday, In t Veldt spoke of an ongoing process regarding the final report. She was asked in relation to the draft report she released last month and whether there are points relating to Cyprus that she intends to revisit, the Dutch MEP referred to Tal Dillian's relationship with Intellexa and the black van case, while a second point of interest she said was the issue of spyware exports.
Following the presentation of the draft, In t Veld said the Commission would continue its work until March, but she expected there to be an extension until June, and a report and resolution with recommendations for legislative initiatives would be issued. The vote on both in the PEGA Committee will take place on April 26 and until then members can submit amendments, which she said she would do.
She said that since November 8, when she presented a draft of her report, new elements have come to light and these will be included through amendments to the report, which should be shorter than a draft, in line with European Parliament practice.
The resolution will be submitted for a vote in plenary, probably in early or mid June, she said.
The key issue for her, she continued, is the implications in relation to the undermining of democracy, with governments having almost unlimited powers to control citizens, particularly journalists and activists through the abuse of spyware.
"Once we find that democracy is at risk, we should speak out, fight and use all available means to protect democracy," he said.
The second issue he raised, he continued, concerns the export of this software from Europe to dictatorial regimes around the world. "Therefore, both governments and criminals are interested in maintaining the status quo," he added.
He referred to the criticisms of the Cypriot government contained in the draft to facilitate the export of such software, adding that "the truth, however, is that all governments have a collective responsibility" as they "doggedly and stubbornly keep this system alive" with the EU Council Presidency telling the European Parliament not to interfere, he said.
Responses from Nicosia only refer to the content of the legislation "but there are no answers about the actual situation," she added, while the Commission "pretends that all this is not happening," in her words.
How can there be legislation and institutions to control exports and exports from Cyprus continue, she questioned
She also said that the PEGA Commission is based on information and documents that are publicly available, while the reports included in the report distinguish between facts and assumptions. "There are reference to 989 footnotes in the report," he said."
"Of course we would like to have facts that can stand up in court, but I think we already have enough to clear the picture," he said."
He compared the project to a 1,000-piece puzzle, saying we have the 900 pieces and everyone can see the picture, even if 100 pieces are missing.
"Many things we cannot prove but it is very likely that it is true and it is very relevant to see the full picture," he said."
When you put together the reports and the revelations you see, he said, that this is a European issue and it is not just about Cyprus, Greece, Spain. Beyond the high-profile cases - including Hungary and Poland - other countries such as the Netherlands, Ireland, Luxembourg and France also play a role, as do Italy and Austria, he said.
Asked in relation tocriticisms that the commission had exceeded its powers on matters relating to aspects of national security, In t Veld said the issue concerned the rule of law, fundamental and human rights, respect for which all member states were bound by the rule of law.
National security is the responsibility of member states, but, she continued, e have laws and treaties and states are bound by international conventions, are accountable to the EU Court of Justice and the Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg and "they cannot do whatever they want".
He also said that democracy and fundamental rights are more important than any "legalistic debate" about which are the competences of the EU and which of the member states.
If governments abuse surveillance systems against journalists to hide acts of corruption, it has nothing to do with national security, he concluded.
Source: CNA
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