Introduction
In July 2026, Citizen Lab revealed that a European Parliament member, Stelios Kouloglou, was targeted by digital espionage via Pegasus spyware. Developed by NSO Group, Pegasus is notorious for its ability to infiltrate devices without leaving visible traces. This attack raises critical questions about the security of European institutions and the integrity of parliamentary investigations.
Pegasus: A Persistent Threat
Pegasus is used worldwide to spy on targets, often by authoritarian governments. Its ability to discreetly extract information from smartphones, including messages, emails, and audio recordings, makes it a formidable tool. In 2021, investigations had already exposed its use against journalists and activists, but the attack on a European parliamentarian marks a new escalation.
Attack Context
Stelios Kouloglou, a Greek investigative journalist and member of the PEGA committee, was investigating spyware abuses in Europe. His device was compromised at critical moments of the committee's activity, likely allowing attackers to access confidential documents and sensitive deliberations.
Implications for Europe
The espionage against Kouloglou raises serious concerns about the European Parliament's vulnerability to cyber threats. Institutions must bolster their digital defenses to protect sensitive information and maintain public trust. According to an EU report in 2025, cyberattacks on European institutions increased by 30% over two years, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Who is Behind the Attack?
Citizen Lab did not attribute the attack to a specific government, although parallels were drawn with other Pegasus campaigns in Europe. The lack of clear attribution complicates the EU's response and underscores the need for international cooperation to regulate the use of such tools.
Conclusion
The Pegasus affair against the European Parliament illustrates the complex challenges posed by cybersecurity in an increasingly interconnected world. Decision-makers must act swiftly to secure critical infrastructures and protect digital democracy.
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