VPN won't save you this is CSS(client side scanning), the scan happens before the encryption of the message/image/video before being sent to the servers.

Not sure about this current proposal but the previous one was on-the-phone based, which Apple double-timed into production so capability is there for EU to access when they finally flip the switch. That proposal would mean that it is Apple and Google that would provide access to your data before any apps or VPNs saw it (i.e. at the OS of the phone level). This new proposal sounds like maybe they backtracked on that and will just coerce the app and platforms?... not sure.

At some point they will figure out, that people use VPNs to access messengers. Then they will go after the VPNs. Think of the ChIldReN! And the TeRrOrIsTs!!11 And then we will have a situation here similar to China, where most VPNs do not work, and assumingly only state-cooperating ones work, but are actually illegal now.