During a plenary meeting on January 13, 2015, the MEPs at the EU Parliament discussed whether a “structural” surveillance justified by “national security” would excuse tapping conversations between lawyers and their clients. The MEPs debated on how to balance national security needs and the right to confidentiality of communications between lawyers and suspects or accused persons.
The debate was prompted by a question on the alleged tapping of a Dutch law firm’s by the national intelligence agency. The question is whether recording these conversations is in line with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and, if not, which exceptions are acceptable.
More information on the plenary session is available at here and here
See also on this subject: Question for oral answer to the Council – Subject: Surveillance of lawyers in the EU (19 December 2014)
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