EU support for training in surveillance techniques for police and security agencies in Africa and the Balkans

Question for written answer  E-001358/2021/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 138
Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Damien Carême (Verts/ALE), Patrick Breyer (Verts/ALE)

In November 2020, Privacy International released findings showing that police and security agencies in Africa and the Balkans are trained to spy on internet and social media users using controversial surveillance techniques with the EU’s support[1]. There are also indications that EU bodies are training and equipping border and migration authorities in non‑EU countries with surveillance tools, including wiretapping systems.

• 1.How will the Commission ensure that no support is provided for surveillance or identity systems through external assistance funds and instruments to non‑EU countries that lack a clear and effective legal framework governing the use of the surveillance equipment and techniques?
• 2.What, if any, type of due diligence and risk assessments, including any sort of human rights or privacy/data protection impact assessments, does the Commission carry out in non‑EU countries that receive training in and funding for surveillance techniques?
• 3.What measures will the Commission take to improve governance and legal frameworks in non‑EU countries, in order to promote the right to privacy and data protection?

• [1] https://privacyinternational.org/long-read/4291/surveillance-disclosures-show-urgent-need-reforms-eu-aid-programmes