Members of the European Parliament Investigate Spy Scandal in EU Countries

More transparency is needed regarding the Pegasus surveillance practices in Cyprus and Greece, said the European Parliament’s investigative committee on Friday after visiting the two countries.

The so-called Pega Committee left “with more questions” than they had before the MEPs visited Cyprus and Greece this week, reports the Cyprus Mail. However, they stated that they had not found any “clear signs of corruption.” Members of the investigative committee examining the use of Pegasus and other spyware visited Cyprus and Greece from November 1 to 4.

“Although we have not found clear signs of corruption or the kind of authoritarian practices seen in Poland or Hungary, more efforts are needed to ensure transparency,” said committee chairman Jeroen Lenaers (CDA) on Friday.

The Dutch MEP noted that “all allegations of abuse of surveillance practices must be thoroughly investigated.”

EP rapporteur Sophie in ’t Veld (D66), for her part, referred to ‘disturbing reports’ from local journalists. After our four-day stay in Cyprus and Greece, we may be leaving with more questions than when we arrived, she said at a press conference.

“We have heard disturbing reports that national security is being used as a pretext to abuse surveillance software,” she said. According to her, the EU needs clear rules to limit the use of national security services for surveillance, to ensure proper judicial oversight, and to maintain a healthy and pluralistic media environment, she added.