The European Parliament is preparing to call for stronger EU-wide measures to combat the misuse of commercial spyware, warning that illegal digital surveillance poses a growing threat to democracy, privacy and the rule of law across Europe.
The renewed initiative follows fresh revelations that former Greek MEP Stelios Kouloglou—who served on the Parliament’s special committee investigating Pegasus spyware—was himself targeted by the surveillance software while carrying out that work. The case has intensified demands for tougher safeguards and stricter oversight across the European Union.
Lawmakers are expected to urge the European Commission to introduce stronger legislation regulating the development, sale and use of spyware. Proposed measures include tighter export controls, greater transparency over government purchases, independent judicial oversight before surveillance tools can be deployed and stronger legal protections for journalists, lawyers, politicians and human rights defenders.
Members of Parliament have also called for improved cybersecurity within EU institutions after the latest hacking revelations. Security experts argue that the use of advanced spyware against elected officials demonstrates how sophisticated surveillance technology can undermine democratic oversight itself.
The Pegasus spyware scandal has remained one of Europe’s most controversial cybersecurity issues in recent years. Investigations have uncovered cases in which journalists, opposition politicians, activists and public officials were allegedly targeted in several EU member states, prompting repeated calls for stricter regulation and greater accountability.
European lawmakers believe new legislation is essential to restore public trust and prevent future abuses. If adopted, the proposed reforms would establish some of the strictest rules in the world governing the use of commercial surveillance software, while strengthening the protection of fundamental rights and democratic institutions across the European Union.
