An internal European Commission investigation has confirmed that a Hungarian intelligence network operated at Hungary’s Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels in the mid-2010s, according to a document seen by Politico.

The April-dated report, prepared under EU anti-fraud commissioner Piotr Serafin, concludes that Hungarian intelligence officers were deployed to the mission between 2013 and 2016, with activity becoming more visible from 2015. It says the network focused on approaching EU officials, primarily Hungarian nationals working in EU institutions, to obtain internal information on policy work relevant to the Hungarian government.

The findings broadly confirm earlier investigative reporting by Direkt36, which alleged that intelligence officers working under diplomatic cover attempted to influence EU decision-making and gather internal Commission information.

Direkt36 in an article in late 2025 reported that the Prime Minister's Office grew increasingly interested in inside information about EU decisions that could affect Hungary's interests as  disputes deepened between the government and the European Commission over media freedom, rule of law, and judicial independence.

Hungarian operatives reportedly reviewed the backgrounds of Hungarian nationals working at EU bodies and attempted to recruit some of them through intelligence officers operating under diplomatic cover.

The investigation found that the intelligence activity initially operated discreetly but later became more overt, to the point where its presence became known within Hungarian circles in Brussels, ultimately reducing its effectiveness. According to the report, the operation ended in 2016.

While the report confirms the existence of the network and its targeting of EU officials, it says it was not possible to establish individual responsibility beyond the intelligence officers involved, citing limited investigative tools available to the Commission and stating that no major security breach could be formally identified.

The document also notes that the activities went beyond standard diplomatic functions, including efforts to contact Hungarian EU staff and gather information on issues of particular interest to Budapest.

The Hungarian Permanent Representation did not respond to Politico’s request for comment.

The case has previously triggered political controversy in Brussels, including calls from members of the European Parliament for an investigation into Hungarian Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi, who led the mission during part of the period in question and has denied any knowledge of intelligence activity.

The Commission opened its internal review following media reports last year, which alleged that Hungarian intelligence operated in Brussels under diplomatic cover and attempted to recruit EU officials.