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EU Confirms Hungary’s Brussels Spy Network, Calls for Resignation

7/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

The European Commission confirmed Hungary ran a diplomatic intelligence network from its Brussels permanent representation.
Agents were placed in the mission from 2013 to 2016, with activity noticeable from 2015.
Using diplomatic cover, they contacted EU officials of Hungarian origin to obtain detailed Commission information.
The Commission said the espionage stopped in 2016, caused no serious breach, and prompted some MEPs to demand Commissioner Oliver Várhelyi’s resignation.

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Story summary

The European Commission confirmed Hungary ran a diplomatic intelligence network from its Brussels permanent representation.
Agents were placed in the mission from 2013 to 2016, with activity noticeable from 2015.
Using diplomatic cover, they contacted EU officials of Hungarian origin to obtain detailed Commission information.
The Commission said the espionage stopped in 2016, caused no serious breach, and prompted some MEPs to demand Commissioner Oliver Várhelyi’s resignation.