Rule of law in Greece: MEPs discuss “Predatorgate” convictions
On Wednesday, Parliament will debate with Commission representatives the rule of law situation in Greece, after sentences were handed down over a spyware scandal.
On 26 February 2026, four individuals - two Greeks and two Israelis - were sentenced to 126 years and 8 months in prison each for violating the confidentiality of telephone communications and illegally accessing personal data and conversations. The sentences have been suspended pending an appeal. A prosecutor has since also ordered their criminal investigation for espionage, along with others who may be involved, citing potential collaboration with foreign state actors.
The plenary debate is expected to touch on Greece's compliance with EU rule of law standards, not least regarding judicial independence and the protection of fundamental rights, as well as on questions over the broader use of surveillance technologies in the EU, and the need for stronger safeguards to prevent abuse.
Background
The Greek spyware scandal, known as “Predatorgate,” erupted in 2022 when journalists, politicians and civil society representatives discovered that they had been targeted by the illegal surveillance software Predator. In many cases this was in parallel with legitimate wiretapping by the state’s intelligence services. In light of these and similar revelations in Spain, Hungary, Cyprus, and Poland, Parliament set up a committee of inquiry, which delivered its recommendations in June 2023. In July 2024, the Greek Supreme Court cleared the Greek intelligence services and political officials of wrongdoing.
Debate: Wednesday 11 March
Procedure: Commission statement, no resolution