Investigation of the Hungarian spy network in the EU
The European Union has begun an investigation into a Hungarian spy network that operated under the guise of diplomats from 2012 to 2018. This information was confirmed by European Commission spokesperson Balazs Ujvari, who noted that a working group has already begun its activities. The investigation is based on revelations published in the publications Der Spiegel, De Tijd, and Direkt36.
According to the investigation, Hungarian intelligence operatives attempted to infiltrate key institutions of the European Union for six years, with their peak activity occurring between 2015 and 2017. In 2015, Oliver Varhelyi was head of the Permanent Representation of Hungary in Brussels, who commented:
“I know nothing about the facts presented in the media” - Oliver Varhelyi
He added that no Hungarian or other intelligence services had ever approached him.
Hearing in the European Parliament
Hearings in the European Parliament's Budgetary Control Committee dedicated to this topic took place on January 12. The investigation continues to attract attention as security issues and compliance with diplomatic work norms remain extremely relevant for the EU.
This investigation emphasizes the importance of ensuring security and transparency in the activities of diplomatic missions in the European Union. In the context of rising tensions among member states and potential threats to national security, such cases can have serious consequences for relations between states. According to the investigation's findings, the EU may be forced to reconsider its control mechanisms over diplomatic activities and increase security levels in its institutions.