Top Hungarian EU Official Unaware of Alleged Brussels Spying Attempt

Hungary’s EU commissioner, Olivér Várhelyi, has publicly denied awareness of alleged spying efforts by his government. These allegations involve attempted recruitment of European Commission staff during Várhelyi’s tenure as the top diplomat in Brussels.

Allegations of Brussels Spying Attempt

According to a spokesperson for the European Commission, Várhelyi met with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss the claims, which were reported by an investigative consortium. Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho confirmed on Monday that Várhelyi was questioned about potential recruitment attempts by Hungarian intelligence services while serving in Brussels. He stated he had no knowledge of such efforts.

Ongoing Investigations

An internal investigation is currently active. While a spokesperson did not comment on whether Várhelyi continues to access confidential documents, they cited operational security concerns regarding the ongoing inquiry.

Background of the Allegations

The spying accusations surfaced last week, highlighted by Hungarian outlet Direkt36 in conjunction with Belgian and German media. Reports indicate that Hungarian intelligence aimed to infiltrate the European Commission over a decade, specifically from 2012 to 2018. This time frame coincides with rising tensions between the Commission and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government.

Diplomatic Cover for Espionage

Reportedly, officers from Hungary’s Information Office used diplomatic cover while stationed at the Hungarian permanent representation to the EU. Várhelyi led this representation from 2015 to 2019, a period when such acts would have previously been considered unthinkable.

Response from Hungary’s Government

Hungary has rejected the allegations, labeling them a smear campaign against the government. Várhelyi was reappointed as Hungary’s European Commissioner in 2024 after serving a five-year term starting in 2019, and had other senior diplomatic roles from 2011 to 2015.

Alleged Attempted Recruitment Incident

• A Hungarian contact allegedly invited a commission official to a meeting to discuss sensitive internal documents.
• The meeting location was unexpectedly changed to a shopping mall, raising suspicions.
• The commission official declined to share sensitive information, emphasizing their professional ethics.

Monitoring of Cultural Institutions

Belgian intelligence services are reportedly keeping tabs on a cultural institution backed by the Hungarian government. The House of Hungary, opened in 2024, aims to promote Hungarian culture but is viewed with suspicion by intelligence agencies.

Sources communicate concerns that the cultural initiatives may serve as a cover for intelligence operations. As these investigations unfold, all eyes remain on Hungary’s diplomatic interactions within the European framework.