Opening remarks of Commissioner Serafin at the European Parliament debate on Allegations of espionage by the Hungarian Government within EU institutions

Madame President,

Honourable Members,

Let me start by saying that we are aware that the Commission and the EU institutions are a prominent target for information-gathering entities and that the number of security threats is only growing.

Let me assure you that the Commission is strongly committed to protecting information, staff and networks from illicit intelligence-gathering actions.

The Commission has in place a robust security framework, with rules and processes aimed at identifying and mitigating risks, as well as strengthening the security resilience of our staff.

A key role in this respect plays a specialized team responsible for Human and Digital Counterintelligence analysis. On intelligence-gathering we rely on a significant level of cooperation with the services of the member States and other EU Institutions.

To strengthen the resilience of our staff regarding human and digital espionage we carry out awareness raising campaigns. Through these staff members are reminded regularly how to recognize and deal with  intelligence-gathering attempts.

But we also follow closely the media reports. Allegations of espionage by the Hungarian authorities against staff of the EU institutions are taken by the Commission services very seriously.

Regarding the recent allegations, I can confirm that there is an internal investigation ongoing. For operational reasons and to ensure the integrity of the investigation, we must ensure the confidentiality of the process and hence I cannot communicate on the details.

But I want to make it clear that the Commission services are closely examining the case.

We recognise the strong and legitimate interest of the Parliament – and EU citizens – in this matter.

As I emphasized in another case related to OLAF officials operating in Hungary, ensuring the right conditions for the staff to carry out their mission and looking after their safety is and will remain our important task, also for me personally.

I want to assure you that the President of the Commission also takes these matters very seriously.

These alleged incidents undermine the principle of loyal cooperation between Member States and EU institutions.

Even though the investigations have not yet been fully completed, I can assure you that the Commission will raise its concerns with the Hungarian government - at all levels.

We are fully committed to devote continued efforts to protect the security of the Commission.

Thank you.