Socialists are responsible for leaving children unprotected

The EPP Group condemns today’s move by the Socialists, together with Renew, ECR and the Greens, to table new amendments, which have derailed the extension of EU rules to combat online child sexual abuse – just days before the current law expires on 3 April.

This plays directly into the hands of online sex predators.

From the outset, it was clear that any changes beyond the EPP Group’s single technical amendment – already backed by Member States – would kill the deal by forcing the file back into lengthy negotiations, leaving no time to avoid a protection gap.

By taking this path, these groups have now blocked the only workable solution to maintain the detection and reporting of child sexual abuse online.

"Despite EPP efforts, S&D failed to lead the process, preventing an agreement with EU Member States. This is completely irresponsible," said Javier Zarzalejos MEP, EPP Group negotiator on the file.

"Protecting children is not optional," said Lena Düpont MEP, EPP Group spokeswoman on Legal and Home Affairs. "Stop hiding behind excuses and take responsibility. This leaves children exposed and offenders unchallenged."

What is illegal offline must also be illegal online. Reports of child sexual abuse have surged from 1 million in 2010 to over 20 million in 2024, while online grooming has increased twelvefold over just three years.

Extending the current rules was not a final fix, but a necessary bridge. Forcing new negotiations now risks a legal vacuum, leaves children exposed, and weakens law enforcement across Europe.