A Czech Member of the European Parliament accused the Slovak government of espionage against the European Parliament delegation: politics and security are at stake
In recent days, sensational news has appeared in news agency feeds from Brussels. Tomáš Zdechovský, one of the prominent Czech Members of the European Parliament, officially addressed the EU leadership with a loud statement, accusing the Slovak government of conducting secret surveillance of a parliamentary delegation. The details of this case have caused significant resonance and raised questions about the integrity and transparency of the work of both the Slovak government and European institutions within member states. According to information published in a letter to the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, MEP Tomáš Zdechovský described “astonishing and troubling signs” of possible eavesdropping and deliberate tracking of their official visit within the framework of monitoring the use of EU funds in the tourism support sector. The letter states that during one of the informal meetings with informants, including employees of Slovak security services, delegation members felt that targeted surveillance was intentionally being conducted on their activities, which is unacceptable in the context of cooperation between member states and European institutions. Zdechovský emphasized that such actions violate not only international legal norms but also the principles of transparency and trust that should prevail in cooperation between EU countries. “It is especially concerning when our surveillance took place in the presence of Slovak law enforcement representatives, with the apparent aim of obtaining information about the delegation’s actions,” the appeal states. The MEP adds an additional context for reflection, as rumors of possible espionage were voiced shortly after the Slovak government intensified its public criticism of the European Parliament’s activities regarding the control of EU funds. Zdechovský points out that such actions, including statements by Interior Minister Matus Square-Estok and Minister of the Environment Tomaš Taraba, aggressively criticized the monitoring mission’s work, effectively trying to discredit the efforts of European Parliament representatives. Of particular note in the report is the rapid public conflict between the country’s authorities and the European delegation, which overshadowed the situation ahead of important political meetings. The sharpest words directed at the delegation came from Prime Minister Robert Fico, who notably called one of its leaders a “political murderer.” This rhetoric sparked a wave of criticism and concern within a broader European context, as there are grounds to believe that such public defamation is an attempt to destabilize the reputation of the delegation and undermine its findings. In his address, Zdechovský called on the European Parliament leadership to not remain passive and to initiate an investigation into possible interference by Slovak authorities in the functioning of European structures. He urged protecting the autonomy and independence of European Parliament missions, which, according to him, is an important signal at a time when authoritarian tendencies, growing mistrust, and political PR campaigns are becoming especially dangerous and destructive for democracy. Meanwhile, the delegation led by Zdechovský has already conducted additional investigative measures on the spot, including gathering testimonies from participants and confirming facts that may indicate covert eavesdropping. They are examining potential services and individuals within the Slovak government who could have been involved in the monitoring attempt. Regarding the motives of such high-ranking political leadership, reports mention recent scandalous events in the Slovak judiciary, including a €200,000 fine imposed on the head of the National Bank, Petra Kajiymira, on suspicion of corruption. This recent decision has sparked criticism of government structures and increased tensions within the internal political context. Overall, the situation surrounding the investigation into possible espionage and political pressure in Slovakia opens a new chapter in the country's relations with the European Union. Monitoring potential interference with European structures raises concerns about maintaining democratic norms, transparency of governmental actions, and ensuring adequate security for representatives of European bodies. It is a true challenge to modern European values — responsibility, the rule of law, and respect for each country’s role in shaping a united and democratic European community. It remains to be seen what conclusions the investigation will lead to, but cases like this serve as a reminder of the need to strengthen oversight and mediation in international operations within the EU.