Despite the lack of agreement at Thursday's EU meeting in Luxembourg, Strömmer says he is "realistically optimistic" about eventually reaching the goal.
There is a very serious and major social problem that we must tackle with more drastic measures, with enormous amounts of sexual abuse against children in the digital environment. At the same time, this is a very complicated issue. I have respect for the fact that it must take time, notes Strömmer on site in Luxembourg.
The criticism has been sharp against the proposal, which has been dubbed "chat control" and accused of entailing too much surveillance of chats and emails.
The prolonged discussion risks making the entire legislative proposal outdated by the time it becomes a reality.
Criminal actors are very innovative. They are very far ahead and we are lagging far behind, says Strömmer.
The Council Presidency, Hungary, still hopes to get enough EU countries to say yes this autumn. However, difficult final negotiations with the EU Parliament will also be required before the legislative proposal can potentially become a reality.
