Brussels spy scandal edges toward political crisis – EU commissioner from Hungary denies all allegations

The European Commission is investigating alleged Hungarian intelligence operations in Brussels, following reports that Hungarian diplomats attempted to obtain confidential information from EU institutions.

As the inquiry unfolds, President Ursula von der Leyen remains silent, while Hungary’s EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi denies any involvement. What began as a diplomatic embarrassment is now testing the Commission’s credibility and internal cohesion.

Espionage allegations shake the Commission

The European Commission launched an internal probe into the alleged espionage attempts linked to the Hungarian government, following revelations by Direkt36 and several European outlets. According to their joint report, members of Hungary’s Permanent Representation to the EU were covertly working for the Information Office — Hungary’s foreign intelligence agency — and tried to gather classified information on EU decision-making.

The secret operations were exposed in 2017, when a key operative made a critical mistake, leading to the collapse of the entire network. The episode is particularly uncomfortable for Olivér Várhelyi, who led Hungary’s Permanent Representation between 2015 and 2019. While there is no proof of direct involvement, several sources claim it is unlikely that he was completely unaware of the intelligence activity taking place under his supervision.

Mixed reactions within the European Union

The case has triggered debate across Brussels. Some lawmakers are calling for accountability, while others emphasise due process and the presumption of innocence. Valérie Hayer, president of the liberal Renew Europe group, told Politico:

“Von der Leyen has both the responsibility and the power to act.”

She added:

“Renew Europe warned from the very beginning about Várhelyi’s nomination and his close relationship with Viktor Orbán’s government. His past conduct clearly shows that his loyalty lies more with the Orbán administration than with European values.”

Cristiano Sebastiani, president of the Renouveau & Démocratie union representing European Commission employees, called for transparency and restraint.

“Várhelyi deserves the presumption of innocence,” he said, adding that “the investigation must be swift and transparent so that such suspicions do not poison the internal atmosphere of the Commission.”