Hungary Denies Allegations of Espionage Attempts in Brussels

Hungary’s European Commissioner, Olivér Várhelyi, has denied knowledge of alleged espionage attempts conducted by the Hungarian government during his tenure as the country’s representative in Brussels. This statement comes after a consortium of investigative journalists reported claims of Hungarian intelligence efforts to recruit spies targeting European Commission staff.

On October 15, 2023, Várhelyi met with Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, to discuss these serious allegations. According to Paula Pinho, the Commission’s chief spokesperson, von der Leyen inquired whether Várhelyi was aware of any recruitment attempts by Hungarian intelligence while he served at Hungary’s permanent representation to the EU. Várhelyi responded that he was not informed of such activities. Pinho confirmed that an internal investigation into the matter is currently underway.

The investigations were prompted by revelations from the Hungarian investigative outlet Direkt36, in collaboration with Belgian and German media. Their reports indicate that Hungarian intelligence services had been attempting to spy on the European Commission since at least 2012, with efforts to recruit officials and obtain classified documents extending through 2018. Tensions between the commission and the government of Viktor Orbán, which he describes as an “illiberal democracy,” were particularly pronounced during this period.

During Várhelyi’s time as head of Hungary’s permanent representation from 2015 to 2019, it is alleged that officers from Hungary’s foreign intelligence agency, the Information Office, operated under diplomatic cover. This use of diplomatic outposts for espionage would have been considered unacceptable in the past, raising serious concerns among EU member states.

Hungary’s government has dismissed the allegations as part of a smear campaign. Várhelyi, who was reappointed as Hungary’s European commissioner in 2024, has a history of holding prominent diplomatic positions in Brussels, including roles from 2011 to 2015.

According to Direkt36, there were instances where officials at the commission became suspicious of contacts at the Hungarian permanent representation. One such official reported being invited to a meeting in Budapest, which was suddenly relocated to a shopping mall in Buda. During this meeting, the commission representative was allegedly asked to share classified internal documents, framed as a patriotic duty. The official declined, terminating the discussion.

The investigation has also drawn the attention of Belgian intelligence, which is reportedly monitoring the House of Hungary, a cultural institution backed by the Hungarian government, located near the Belgian prime minister’s office. Opened in 2024, the House aims to promote music, science, and culture. Sources indicated that intelligence services regard such cultural initiatives as potential fronts for espionage, suggesting that their cultural missions may serve secondary roles.

As the investigation continues, the implications for Hungary’s diplomatic conduct and its relationship with the European Union remain significant. The unfolding events illustrate the complexities of international diplomacy and the challenges of maintaining trust among member states.