EU: Vote on chat control removed from agenda

The Belgian Council Presidency has removed the vote on the much-criticized compromise proposal for the so-called chat control from the agenda of the meeting of the Permanent Representatives (COREPER II). This was confirmed by the responsible spokesperson of the Permanent Representation in Brussels to heise online. It is unclear when the vote will be held again.

Normally, only those points are voted on at such meetings for which an outcome in line with the Council Presidency is likely. Obviously, the majority for the "general approach", the Council's negotiating mandate for further negotiations with the European Parliament and the Commission, was not certain. Yesterday evening, the German government announced its intention to vote against the current proposal.

Decision only with new composition

This means that the dossier on the regulation to combat online depictions of sexual abuse will no longer be pursued under the Belgian Council Presidency. On July 1, Hungary will take over under the motto "Make Europe Great Again", while the new European Parliament continues to sort itself out and a new EU Commission is put together by the member states. With today's postponement of the position of the Member States, the process could now be delayed by several months due to the procedures in Brussels.

(mack)