European Parliament debates surveillance of MEP Stelios Kouloglou via Pegasus spyware

On Wednesday evening, the European Parliament held a plenary session to discuss the targeting of Greek former MEP and PEGA committee member Stelios Kouloglou using the Pegasus spyware, developed by the NSO Group. The discussion was requested by the Left and Greens political groups following reports that Kouloglou was under surveillance while investigating the use of spyware within EU member states, including the Predator scandal in Greece. The session also addressed the broader implications for democratic processes, press freedom, and election integrity across the European Union. During the debate, MEPs expressed strong criticism regarding the violation of privacy and democratic standards. Representing the European Commission, Commissioner for Democracy and Demography Dubravka Suica stated that the Commission is aware of the reports and maintains that any illegal access to citizens' data is unacceptable. While the focus remained on the Kouloglou case, reports also noted that the Predator spyware has been utilized against Greek politician Nikos Androulakis. The session emphasized the need to protect the integrity of European democratic institutions from such illegal surveillance activities.