A group of 29 European Parliament representatives is calling for a slowdown in Serbia’s entry into the European Union, citing evidence of widespread spyware use by the government. The move comes after a joint investigation by human rights groups and researchers uncovered spyware infections on the phones of Serbian student activists and others.
The investigation, led by the SHARE Foundation, Amnesty International, and The Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto, revealed that both Pegasus and NoviSpy spyware were used to infect devices. While the source of the Pegasus infection remains unclear, evidence suggests that the NoviSpy infections may have been carried out by Serbian government authorities.
“This is not a technical glitch; it’s a direct state attack on democracy,” the MEPs wrote in their letter to EU leaders. “With upcoming elections ahead, Aleksandar Vučić’s regime is using illegal digital surveillance to systematically dismantle political opposition.” The MEPs are demanding that Serbia’s accession into the EU be slowed until an investigation into spyware usage is completed and that rule-of-law accountability is improved.
The pressure on Serbia comes as European leaders were already reeling from the government’s response to the death of former Bosnian Serb army commander Ratko Mladic, a war criminal. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos canceled her visit to Serbia earlier this week due to concerns over the glorification of Mladic.
The MEPs’ letter is just the latest development in a long-running saga over spyware use within the EU. European Union member nations have faced their own allegations of using spyware, and recent revelations of spyware on the device of a member of the European Parliament’s PEGA Committee have prompted renewed calls for action against spyware abuses.
The MEPs are not mincing words in their criticism of Serbia’s government. “Appeasement has failed,” they wrote. “It is time for the Commission to demonstrate that compliance with fundamental democratic standards is a non-negotiable requirement, not an option.” The letter adds to the growing chorus of voices calling for greater accountability and transparency within the EU.
For individuals and organizations outside of Serbia’s government, the implications of this story are clear: using spyware to silence opponents or monitor citizens is unacceptable. As the MEPs’ letter makes clear, such actions undermine democratic standards and have serious consequences. What can be done? First and foremost, it’s essential to stay informed about the risks associated with spyware and take steps to protect your digital security. Use reputable anti-virus software, keep your operating system and apps up-to-date, and use strong passwords and two-factor authentication whenever possible.
Source: CyberScoop — 2026-09-04