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fullscreen Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer (M) on his way to Thursday’s EU meeting in Luxembourg. Photo: Wiktor Nummelin/TT
After more than two years, EU countries still cannot agree on the controversial proposal to combat online child abuse.
Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer (M) still does not give up.
Despite the fact that there was no agreement at Thursday’s EU meeting in Luxembourg, Strömmer says he is “realistically optimistic” about finally reaching the goal.
– There is a very serious and large social problem that we must tackle with more interventionist measures, with enormous amounts of sexual abuse against children in the digital environment. At the same time, this is a very complicated issue. I have respect for the fact that it must take time, states Strömmer on site in Luxembourg.
Criticism has always been sharp against the proposal, which has been nicknamed “chat control” and is accused of entailing excessive monitoring of chats and e-mails.
At the same time, the fact that the discussion drags on risks making the entire bill untimely if and when it becomes a reality.
– Criminal actors are very innovative. They are very far ahead and we are far behind, says Strömmer.
Hungary, the country holding the presidency of the Council of Ministers, still hopes to get enough EU countries to say yes during the autumn. After that, however, difficult final negotiations with the EU Parliament are also required before the bill can possibly become a reality.