Dear all,
I want to share a brief update on where things stand with CSAR.
The negotiations remain highly opaque, and based on what we know so far,
the emerging deal may be the best that can realistically be achieved.
However, it now appears that detection on text messages and audio
messages has been reintroduced, which is deeply concerning.
We are increasingly worried that this may be pushed through in COREPER
already this Wednesday rather than being decided at Council level. Given
how controversial the proposal is, a COREPER decision would be
inappropriate. This could itself become a reason to oppose the Council
position, which is already weak. The latest intel also suggests that
they may reach a deal tomorrow.
We understand that DGHOME is against the current compromise, primarily
because it relies on voluntary scanning instead of detection orders. The
overall picture is extremely complex, and at this stage we are uncertain
whether we should oppose the proposal, or whether recommending others to
oppose would be the right approach.
We had initially planned to remain silent, but due to the rapid and
unclear changes in the negotiations, we do not currently know what the
text contains. This leaves us in a position of uncertainty.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Cyprus Presidency brings its own risks.
There are concerns about capacity, and if they cannot staff all
positions, the Commission may end up with disproportionate influence
during the next phase.
We have also heard rumors that Hungary and Spain may oppose the proposal
because it has been weakened to the point where they cannot support it.
At the same time, we cannot rule out that this may be the best deal we
will get.
Our position remains:
*Voluntary must mean truly voluntary
*CSS must be clearly ruled out
*There must be no mandatory age verification
We also note that the Council may attempt a partial General Approach
before trilogues.
Finally, we recognise that coordination with Patrick and Joachim’s
campaign is necessary, but this has been a source of frustration, and it
is unclear whether such coordination is realistically achievable at this
stage.
I will continue following developments closely and will provide updates
as soon as we have more clarity.
Best regards,
Tom Fredrik Blenning