A network of Hungarian agents spied on EU institutions. This was the conclusion of a joint investigation by journalists from a number of media outlets: Hungarian Direkt36, German Spiegel, Austrian Standard, and Belgian De Tijd. UNN reports this with reference to Euronews.
Details
The European Commission will investigate allegations of Hungarian espionage against European institutions. The relevant conclusions with accusations appeared based on materials from an international journalistic investigation. Representatives of De Tijd, Standard, Direkt36, and Spiegel participated in it.
Context
The events began ten years ago. As noted, it was then that tensions between the Hungarian Prime Minister's government and the European Commission began to escalate. The network of secret agents allegedly operated through Hungary's Permanent Representation to the EU.
According to Direkt36, an "experienced" diplomat from Hungary's Permanent Representation in Brussels, someone named V., tried to recruit Hungarian citizens to work in EU institutions. The subject of the investigation worked in Brussels as a "disguised diplomat." He was an employee of the Policy Department.
According to media reports, Orban's spies used aggressive tactics that are more reminiscent of the practices of the Russian or Chinese regimes.
At the same time, between 2012 and 2018, Hungarian secret service agents spied carelessly. The aforementioned V. was exposed back in 2017. Along with him, the entire Hungarian secret service network in Brussels was also exposed.
The European Commission is already investigating Hungary's espionage revelations
It became known today that the European Commission will create a "special internal group" to thoroughly investigate the allegations.
The Commission takes note of all today's reports according to which the Hungarian intelligence service conducted espionage operations against the EU and its staff members. The Commission takes such allegations very seriously
Comment by former Hungarian Foreign Minister on "Orban's spies"
Former Hungarian Foreign Minister and diplomat István Szent-Iványi commented to Euronews on the assumption of Budapest's espionage activities. The former head of Hungarian diplomacy acknowledged the situation as scandalous.
.. the Hungarian government, unfortunately, views the EU as an enemy. One of the consequences of this case could be distrust of Hungarian employees and diplomats working in the Commission
The former diplomat also stated: Hungarian employees in Brussels are clearly seen as potential spies.
Addition
The spokesperson for Hungary's Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels referred to remarks by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó on the Index website. The Hungarian official emphasized that he "knows nothing" about such a case revealed by Direkt36.
Recall
Former Wirecard CEO Jan Marsalek, according to media reports, is in Russia and is likely working for that country's intelligence agency. The Austrian Ministry of Interior announced that the country is considering revoking Marsalek's citizenship.
Hungarian spies appear to have been operating in Brussels for years. EU staff also reported suspicious recruitment attempts.
The Hungarian government changed its position and agreed to a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas supplies to EU countries