Any attempt by the national security services to gain illegal access to the data of citizens, including journalists and political opponents, if confirmed, is "unacceptable", a Commission spokesperson told EURACTIV on the occasion of the case of PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis.
According to the Commission Spokesperson, the Commission has taken note of the letter from Nikos Androulakis regarding the attempted interception of his mobile phone as well as the media reports regarding the spy software used by some governments.
"Investigating such issues is the responsibility of each EU member state. The Commission expects national authorities to thoroughly examine any such allegation and restore citizens' trust," the Commission official pointed out, referring to the latest report on the rule of law in Greece, where the issue is highlighted and strict recommendations are made by the Commission for the implementation of EU law.
"Member states are responsible for ensuring their national security," he said, adding that they must apply relevant EU law and must supervise and control their security services to ensure they fully respect fundamental rights, including protection of personal data, safety of journalists and freedom of expression.
"Although Member States are competent to guarantee their national security, they must apply relevant EU law, including CJEU jurisprudence, when doing so," added the Commission Spokesperson.
"Investigating such matters is the responsibility of each EU Member State. The Commission expects national authorities to thoroughly investigate any such allegations and restore public confidence."
On Tuesday, July 26, the President of PASOK-Movement of Change filed a complaint with the Prosecutor's Office of the Supreme Court for an attempt to trap and monitor his mobile phone through the Predator software.
According to what was made known by the party, the MEP and president of PASOK - Movement for Change received on September 21, 2021 - shortly before the start of the internal party elections - a text message, which invited him to click on a specific link, which is used as "bait" to install the Predator tracking software on the target's mobile.
On June 28, 2022, Nikos Androulakis made use of the European Parliament's service that checks their telephone devices for possible infections by illegal surveillance software for preventive reasons.
From the first check carried out on the device of the President of PASOK - Movement for Change, it was seen the presence of a suspicious link (link) connected to the illegal Predator surveillance software.
https://www.euractiv.gr/section/thesmika-themata/news/komision-gia-ypothesi-androylaki-aparadekti-i-parakoloythisi-politikon-antipalon-ean-epivevaiothei/
