A seated man in a suit speaks into a microphone against a backdrop of the EU flag.
European Council President Charles Michel speaks during a video conference at an EU summit in Brussels, Belgium March 25, 2021. The EU has moved to regulate exports of surveillance technology which can undermine press freedom. (Reuters/Yves Herman)

EU adopts new export control rules on surveillance technology

The European Union yesterday adopted a new regulation on exports of dual-use surveillance technology by EU-based companies. The legislation seeks to prevent human rights harm, including in countries where journalists are targeted and under surveillance because of their work. 

CPJ joined six other freedom of expression and human rights organizations in a statement welcoming the introduction of some of the measures, but also expressing disappointment that the text was not more ambitious, and did not include clearer and stronger conditions on EU member states and exporting companies to implement the new rules.

Read the full statement.