The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joined the Centre for Democracy and Technology Europe (CDT Europe) as well as twelve civil society organisations, many of which are members of the Spyware Coordination Group, in urging the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union to prioritise action against spyware misuse.
Poland will assume the rotating presidency in January 2025. This role, held by each EU member state for six months, allows the presiding country to set the Council’s agenda, chair meetings, and represent the Council in negotiations with other EU institutions. This makes the presidency a crucial opportunity to influence the EU’s policy making priorities and focus.
Despite widespread awareness of the harm caused by spyware, the EU has yet to take significant action to address the issue. Key recommendations from the European Parliament’s PEGA Committee, which investigated the use of spyware within member states, have not been adequately followed up. The topic was also conspicuously absent during the hearings of the new commissioners and insufficient engagement with these urgent issues has allowed spyware abuses to persist unchecked.
The coalition highlights spyware’s devastating impact on fundamental rights, rule of law, and national security across the EU and beyond. We commend Poland for its national efforts to address spyware abuses, namely its willingness to investigate allegations of unlawful surveillance and efforts to increase transparency around spyware procurement and use. Poland has also demonstrated its commitment to combating spyware misuse by signing the Joint Statement on Efforts to Counter the Proliferation and Misuse of Commercial Spyware and the Pall Mall Declaration.
The start of the Polish Presidency comes at a key moment, aligning with the beginning of the new legislative mandate, following Parliament’s confirmation of the new European Commission College. This pivotal timing provides Poland with a unique opportunity to set the tone for the EU in advancing comprehensive reforms to regulate spyware technologies, strengthen safeguards, and ensure accountability.
In the joint letter, we provide key recommendations and call for a collaborative approach between governments and civil society to turn commitments into impactful policies. By prioritising these reforms, Poland can position the EU as a global leader in addressing spyware misuse and champion the values of fundamental rights and the rule of law.
Source: EFJ