VP/HR — Cyber espionage threats to European travellers

24.4.2018

Question for written answer E-002255-18
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Marietje Schaake (ALDE)

A Dutch trade mission visited China two weeks ago. In order to prevent data being obtained covertly through, for example, hacking and the installation of spyware, government officials and business representatives on the delegation were advised by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs to only bring ‘empty’ laptops and mobile phones. A similar warning was issued for travellers to Iran, Russia and Turkey.

1. Are the VP/HR and the EU delegations in these countries aware of this updated advice to Dutch travellers?

2. Does the VP/HR consider that the cyber policies of these four, and possibly other, countries pose a threat to European travellers, both when on business trips and on holiday?

3. Does the VP/HR agree that concerns about cyber espionage also need to be addressed at the highest political level with foreign governments?