Hello!
VPNs are not in the scope of both the legislation and trivial tech considerations, as we don't have the keys for the communications: chat, instant messages and e-mails are encrypted end-to-end without our keys, but with the keys of the parties and/or the keys of the service offering e-mail / chat / messaging service, so we can't decrypt anything in any case.
With that said, this abomination must be fought. We repute it is incompatible with the Charter of Fundamental Rights and with various CJEU decisions on data retention and privacy. We feel to share the position and the consideration offered by Tuta and EDRi here and here:
https://tuta.com/blog/chat-control-criticism
https://edri.org/our-work/most-criticised-eu-law-of-all-time/
Unfortunately, opposition has become more difficult because big AI actors see chat control as a great opportunity and they have spent tens of millions to lobby in favor of this abominable regulation. This is the main explanation that tells you why various politicians have changed their positions.
Kind regards