Brussels lampposts linked to EU espionage hub

The green old lampposts at Luxembourg Square in Brussels' EU district are known as eavesdropping centers and have allegedly been filled with surveillance equipment over the years, major media reports say. Brussels is one of the most eavesdropped areas in the world, with states, organizations, and companies competing to know the most. The EU Commission warned in 2024 that Brussels is one of the world's largest spy centers with hundreds of active intelligence agents targeting the institution.

Recent leaks have heightened concerns. A mobile phone conversation between a Politico journalist and a close associate of EU top official Ursula von der Leyen was leaked online in full and referenced by pro-government media in Hungary ahead of the Hungarian parliamentary election in April. Neither side claims to have found any spyware on the phones, which were quickly taken out of use. Tape recordings of highly sensitive phone calls between Hungary's foreign minister and his Russian colleague were later leaked, also with unknown origin. Both Hungary and journalist organizations in Brussels have reacted angrily to the eavesdropping. Dafydd ab Iago, chairman of the correspondent organization API-IPA, called it "an ice-cold message not only to journalists working in Brussels, but also our sources."

Historically, espionage has plagued the EU. In 2003, recording equipment was discovered built into the walls at four locations inside Justus Lipsius, the Council of the EU's main building. Fingers were pointed mainly at the US or Israel for the bugging. Now, Russia and China are primarily suspected in various revelations. In 2019, the EU's foreign service warned that it expected at least 250 Chinese and 200 Russian spies in Brussels. According to Aftonbladet, former US ambassador to Belgium Howard Gutman described often saying 'good night' to the ceiling, implying his office was bugged.