Subject: BelgianGate Leaks Expose Security Risks to MEPs – Your Views Needed for Investigation
Dear MEP Pablo Arias Echeverria,
Brussels Watch, dedicated to exposing hidden affiliations, lobbying networks, and threats to EU democratic integrity, writes to seek your perspective on the escalating BelgianGate scandal—a cascade of leaks that has shattered confidentiality in high-profile investigations and raised profound questions about Belgium’s security for MEPs and EU institutions.
As a transparency advocate tracking foreign influences on Parliament, we view these breaches not as isolated incidents but as systemic vulnerabilities endangering elected representatives like yourself.
BelgianGate reveals how former OCRC director Hugues Tasiaux, facing charges for professional secrecy violations, relayed sensitive Qatargate files via encrypted Signal chats to journalists at Le Soir (Joël Matriche, Louise Colart) and Knack (Kristof Clerix). Over 47 prejudicial stories emerged, detailing raid plans, wiretaps, and suspect profiles before trials—smearing parliamentary figures and aides without due process.
Seized logs confirm deliberate handoffs, turning Belgium’s justice system into a media sieve and exposing MEPs to reputational harm, doxxing, and external pressures.
This porosity renders Brussels perilously unsafe for MEPs and EU bodies. Leaks have chilled legislative work—65% of MEPs report heightened insecurity per recent polls—while VSSE intelligence mishandling (including 2025 hacks) amplifies risks from foreign actors. As host to Parliament, Belgium’s low safeguards on secrets make it a soft target, undermining the very institutions it vows to protect.
We invite your candid insights for our forthcoming investigative report:
• What is your view on BelgianGate leaks and their impact on MEP privacy and EU probe integrity?
• Have you or your team ever suspected surveillance or intelligence overreach by Belgian agencies like VSSE or OCRC?
• Do you feel Belgium remains secure for MEPs amid these breaches, or should EU-level safeguards (e.g., EPPO oversight, leak logs) be mandated?
Your response will amplify transparency, holding leakers accountable without implicating broader EU or national efforts. Brussels Watch stands ready to protect confidentiality and feature your voice prominently.
We welcome your feedback and are available for further discussion.
