European Commission launches internal investigation into Hungarian espionage claims

The European Commission has launched an internal investigation following media reports that Hungary’s intelligence agency targeted European Union (EU) institutions and employees.

Commission Spokesperson Balazs Ujvari stated on October 9, “We will establish an internal working group to examine these allegations.”

The investigation was opened following reports published by an international media consortium, including the German newspaper Der Spiegel and the Austrian Der Standard.

The reports alleged that Hungarian intelligence deployed agents to gather information from EU institutions during the period when current European Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi was his country’s ambassador to the EU.

The Commission declined to comment on Varhelyi’s possible role in these events. “I want to emphasize once again that these are only allegations. We are examining these allegations,” Ujvari said.

‘Fake diplomat network’ allegation

According to information obtained by journalists, a network of “fake diplomats,” including a civilian official codenamed “V,” operated under the umbrella of the diplomatic mission led by Varhelyi.

It was alleged that these individuals were promised money and promotions or were persuaded that “monitoring EU employees is a patriotic duty.” The purpose of the activities was reportedly to gain access to confidential documents and official discussions within European institutions.

Oliver Varhelyi is known as a diplomat close to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. After serving as Hungary’s ambassador to the EU from 2015 to 2019, he was appointed European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement.

While in this role, Varhelyi had opposed the freezing of EU funds for countries accused of violating the rule of law.

However, during his confirmation process in the European Parliament, he had assured lawmakers that he would “not take instructions from any national government.”

Varhelyi currently serves as the European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare. This position carries less political weight compared to other Commission portfolios.

Tense relations between Brussels and Budapest

In recent years, the European Union has accused Viktor Orbán’s government of violating the rule of law. Hungary, in turn, criticizes the Union for applying “double standards” and interfering in its internal affairs.

In addition to the espionage allegations concerning EU institutions, Hungary is also accused of conducting intelligence activities on Ukrainian territory.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained two individuals during the summer who it stated were gathering information on behalf of Hungarian military intelligence.