Espionage scandal reveals Hungary's underhand tactics within EU

In October 2025, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was implicated in a significant espionage scandal involving the European Union. Reports from multiple sources, including the Belgian newspaper De Tijd, uncovered that Hungary engaged in spying activities towards EU institutions using a covert network of intelligence officers. The allegations suggest that this espionage occurred through Hungary’s permanent representation to the EU between 2012 and 2018 and coincided with the tenure of Oliver Varhelyi as the Hungarian ambassador. Varhelyi, who currently serves as the Hungarian Commissioner, faces intense scrutiny due to his potential involvement in these operations. The European Commission, in reaction to these serious allegations, announced the establishment of a special internal group that will investigate the claims thoroughly. Spokesperson Balazs Ujvari emphasized the need to protect the staff, information, and networks within the Commission against unauthorized intelligence gathering. The role of Varhelyi as the Hungarian representative during the alleged espionage period raises additional questions about the integrity of his position. Other European Parliament members, such as Elio Di Rupo and Sara Matthieu, have joined the call for a formal investigation, illustrating widespread concern regarding the implications of these allegations on EU governance. The Hungarian government, however, has dismissed these accusations as unfounded, framing them as a smear campaign against the country. Budapest's efforts to exert pressure on nationals working within EU institutions to conduct espionage have been reportedly ongoing for years. The reaction from the EU parliamentary leaders emphasizes that if the allegations are confirmed, it could lead to a major scandal, questioning the adequacy of existing EU treaties and their responsiveness to contemporary threats. As authorities gear up for a more extensive examination into Hungary's activities, the outcomes could have serious ramifications on Hungary's relationship with the EU. The fallout may lead to intensified scrutiny of intelligence practices across EU institutions and could force leaders to reconsider policy and legislative measures designed to safeguard information integrity and personnel security in the context of foreign interference. The gravity of these allegations brings to the forefront the urgent need for robust mechanisms to protect the EU from internal threats while ensuring that accountability is instituted for any breaches of trust among member states.