Brussels has long been a magnet for diplomats, lobbyists, and lawmakers. But beneath its polished glass buildings and diplomatic receptions lies a far murkier reality: espionage.
In this episode of Interference, host Justin Stares and Alex Phillips dive into the shadow world of spying and covert operations in the EU capital, where thousands of agents, informants, and intelligence operatives move quietly among politicians and corporate lobbyists. With over 30,000 lobbyists vying for influence, collecting information, and feeding it back to governments and multinational companies, the line between diplomacy and covert intelligence work is often blurred. The conversation turns to a recent scandal involving Hungary, where allegations suggest the Hungarian commissioner once ran an intelligence network in Brussels. This story unfolds against the backdrop of deep tensions between Hungary and the European Commission.
As Justin notes, espionage in Brussels isn’t confined to foreign powers; the EU itself is suspected of conducting its own intelligence-gathering to monitor internal dissent and protect its political agenda. The web stretches even further. With Russia seeking leverage in European politics and Ukraine at the centre of a global intelligence tug-of-war, Brussels has become a hub for both cooperation and confrontation. The city’s proximity to NATO headquarters makes it an even more valuable target for foreign intelligence agencies eager to penetrate Europe’s defence and policy networks.
From the “love hotel” near the European Parliament to high-profile scandals like “Qatargate” and alleged bribery linked to Huawei, Brussels’ world of covert operations reads like a spy novel. As the EU debates plans for a shared defence and intelligence policy, trust among member states remains fragile. Interference exposes how espionage, corruption, and covert influence have become an unavoidable part of life in the European capital.
