Jeroen Lenaers will conduct research into espionage software. The MEP from Stramproy has been elected to chair a special working group that investigates the wiretapping of politicians, journalists and lawyers.
In 2021 it became clear that the Israeli company NSO had developed software, that hacked into thousands of people’s phones. French President Emmanuel Macron was one of the victims. Also the Polish elections would be affected by the hacks.
Pega Commission
Lenaers was elected on Tuesday as chairman of the so-called “Pega” committee, which will investigate the practices. Some fellow MPs are also said to have been spied on via the software.
The video below explains how the software works:
Scandal
The committee is given one year to map out the affair. “This scandal is very serious and we cannot emphasize this enough,” said Lenaers. “Just put yourself in the shoes of a victim and experience the feeling that every message you send to your loved ones is read by the government, that every video you watch on your phone is watched with you, and that people who not have your best interests in mind at any time knowing exactly where you are.”
Evening Guests Europe
Jeroen Lenaers will join the . on Thursday 21 April program Evening Guests Europe. It discusses, among other things, the impact of the war in Ukraine, Limburg’s nitrogen policy, equal pay for men and women, and the Gateway to Europe on King’s Day in Maastricht.