Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-000686/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Vladimir Prebilič (Verts/ALE), Alexandra Geese (Verts/ALE)
A recent report by Amnesty International entitled ‘A Digital Prison: surveillance and the suppression of civil society in Serbia’ has revealed that Serbian authorities have engaged in widespread illegal surveillance practices by using spyware against activists, journalists and members of civil society.
These alarming revelations emerge at a time when Serbia is witnessing its largest protests in decades, fuelled by growing concerns over widespread corruption and the increasing authoritarianism of its government.
- 1.Is the Commission aware of the reported use of spyware and abuse of digital forensic tools targeting activists and journalists in Serbia and what steps, if any, has it taken so far?
- 2.What further actions, if any, is the Commission considering in response to these allegations and do these include the possibility of calling for an independent investigation and ensuring accountability?
- 3.To the Commission’s knowledge, has the EU been involved in the procurement of any equipment – such as forensic tools, software or other technologies – for Serbian institutions or agencies in the security sector that could potentially be misused to undermine or threaten human rights? If so, could it provide details on the EU’s involvement and specify which tools or technologies were procured?
Submitted: 13.2.2025
Last updated: 19 February 2025