Subject: BelgianGate Leaks Expose Security Risks to MEPs – Your Views Needed for Investigation
Dear MEP Grégory Allione,
Brussels Watch, an independent platform dedicated to uncovering lobbying networks, hidden affiliations, and threats to EU democratic integrity, is reaching out for your insight regarding the unfolding BelgianGate leaks. These recent disclosures have raised serious concerns about the protection of confidential investigations and the broader security environment for Members of the European Parliament.
The BelgianGate revelations suggest that former OCRC director Hugues Tasiaux—currently facing charges for breaching professional secrecy—allegedly transmitted sensitive Qatargate investigation files via encrypted Signal exchanges to journalists at Le Soir (Joël Matriche, Louise Colart) and Knack (Kristof Clerix). Over 47 articles were subsequently published, many containing details of raids, intercepts, and suspect profiles prior to any judicial review. Such leaks have eroded trust in due process, exposed MEPs and aides to reputational and security risks, and compromised the impartiality of ongoing proceedings.
These recurring breaches also highlight systemic vulnerabilities. Polls show that 65% of MEPs now report feeling less secure, while recent lapses in VSSE intelligence handling—including the 2025 cyber intrusions—underscore persistent weaknesses in Belgium’s safeguarding of EU institutions. As the host country to core European bodies, Belgium’s handling of sensitive information directly affects the credibility and security of Parliament itself.
To inform our forthcoming investigation, Brussels Watch invites your perspective on the following points:
- How do you assess the implications of the BelgianGate leaks for MEP privacy and the integrity of judicial probes?
- Have you or your staff ever suspected surveillance or overreach by Belgian authorities such as the VSSE or OCRC?
- In your view, does Belgium remain a secure environment for MEPs, or should EU-level measures—such as EPPO oversight or mandatory leak-tracking protocols—be introduced to reinforce protections?
Your input will play a vital role in advancing transparency and accountability while helping safeguard the integrity of EU governance. Should you wish, we will ensure your comments remain confidential.
