Source: European Parliament
Regarding the activities alleged in the corresponding press reports, the Commission cannot comment on operational security matters.
However, it must be stressed that the Commission remains committed to protecting Commission information, staff and networks from illicit intelligence-gathering actions.
There is also a strong cooperation with the other EU institutions and Member States, which are equally targeted by espionage threat actors.
Under Article 24 of the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union[1], the Commission is bound to assist any staff member under its authority, in particular in proceedings against any person perpetrating threats, insulting or defamatory acts or utterances, or any attack to person or property to which the staff member or a member of his family is subjected by reason of his position or duties.
In addition, the Commission’s competent services consistently reinforce the resilience of staff of all grades, functions and places of employment through extensive awareness-raising campaigns on various security and safety issues.
More specifically, with respect to human and digital espionage, the Commission systematically organises dedicated security briefings to inform staff members that they may be the targets of intelligence-gathering attempts, both in their professional and their private life, including during their travels.
- [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:01962R0031-20240701