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The European Commission launched an investigation after several newspaper reports alleged that the Hungarian secret services were trying to recruit EU employees in Brussels as informants.
The spies, covered as diplomats of the Hungarian Permanent Representation, were targeting, especially the European Commission, where sensitive files related to Hungary were prepared and discussed.
The Commission takes the allegations seriously and does its utmost to defend the Commission’s staff and information from illicit intelligence gathering actions.
“We will be setting up an internal group to look into those allegations,” spokesperson Balázs Ujvári said.
Earlier, Hungary’s Direct36, together with the German Paper Trail Media and with De Tijd in Belgium, reported that the Hungarian Intelligence services were trying to recruit Hungarians working in EU institutions, in order to build a network.
The late 2010s were a period when the conflicts between Hungary and the EU escalated over the topics of rule of law, democracy, and media freedom.
According to the press reports, one undercover Hungarian agent was also seconded to the European Commission, where he worked on security files and had access to sensitive data.
Questions arise about the role of Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi
According to the investigation, the network operated under the diplomatic cover of Hungary’s Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels.
Most of those activities happened between 2012 and 2018. Between 2015 and 2019, the permanent representation was led by Ambassador Olivér Várhelyi, who is now the European Commissioner for Health.
The spokesperson of the Commission said, answering the question of Euronews, the spy ring allegations were not known yet in 2019, when Olivér Várhelyi got his security clearance to be an EU Commissioner.
“I don’t think we had this type of information at that moment,” the spokesperson said.
He added, all EU Commissioners have security screening and hearings at the Parliament.
“When it comes to Commissioners, it’s their responsibility to ensure that they comply with the treaty provisions and the code of conduct. And when assuming their duties, they undergo a thorough scrutiny process, including the European Parliament hearing.”
According to the spokespersons, the President of the European Commission is aware of the incident.
The European Parliament refused to comment
The press services of the European Parliament refused to comment on the matter. They highlighted that they constantly monitor security and cybersecurity threats and deploy all the necessary measures to prevent them.
As part of the general prevention strategy, measures have been taken in recent years to mitigate potential security risks, including enhanced guidance for Members and staff.
Reactions from Hungary
Euronews reached out to the Permanent Representation of Hungary in Brussels to see their reaction.
Bence Tordai, opposition Member of the Hungarian Parliament, wrote on social media and denounced the allegations: “Hungary spied on the EU: mr Orbán, when do you declare war on Brussels?” he wrote.
István Szent-Iványi, foreign policy expert and former deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, said the issue was scandalous. He added that this proves that Hungary considers the EU Commission and the Parliament as enemies.
“It is concerning that they wanted to recruit Hungarian EU staff. As a result, there is a distrust towards Hungarian employees, as they are seen as potential spies and enemies,” Szent-Iványi wrote on Facebook.
