Von der Leyen addresses espionage allegations against Hungary

Oct 14, 2025 - 17:00
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Von der Leyen addresses espionage allegations against Hungary

Brussels (dpa) – The Hungarian EU Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi denied involvement in an alleged espionage affair during a conversation with the Commission President. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with Varhelyi on Sunday and asked him if he was aware of attempts by Hungarian intelligence services to recruit employees of the European Commission, a spokesperson in Brussels said. The Commissioner then stated that he knew nothing of such attempts.

The German news magazine “Der Spiegel” and other media had previously published research findings indicating that the government of Viktor Orban had deployed intelligence agents to EU institutions. Between 2015 and 2017, three spies allegedly attempted to recruit employees of the EU Commission or obtain information from them – and at least once offered money in the process. One of the spies is said to have worked disguised as a diplomat in the team of the then Hungarian EU Ambassador Varhelyi. He is now part of Ursula von der Leyen‘s team as Commissioner for Health.

The Commission announced last week that it takes the allegations very seriously and will establish an internal group to investigate the case. (October 13)