In the second half of 2024, an individual applying for Hungary’s diplomatic training program at the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, failed a national security clearance.

This individual hoped to secure a diplomatic position within the ministry.

However, the vetting process revealed a national security risk, stemming from their close acquaintance with Georg Spöttle, a prominent figure in Hungary’s government propaganda apparatus, who is alleged to have connections with Russian intelligence services.

The implications of this relationship are significant, as a diplomat would potentially gain access to sensitive internal government documents, including state secrets.

Sources familiar with the situation indicated that the propagandist not only had a personal relationship with the applicant but also played a role in promoting their career, reportedly leveraging their connections to facilitate the applicant's entry into the diplomatic service.

Georg Spöttle, self-identified as a "security policy expert," is associated with pro-government media outlets in Hungary, where he has been known to disseminate narratives in line with Kremlin interests.

His contributions span various platforms, including Magyar Nemzet, Pesti Srácok, and Hír TV, among others.

Spöttle previously participated as a candidate in local elections for the ruling Fidesz party and served as a migration expert for a government-linked institute.

While not widely recognized in Hungary, Spöttle has gained visibility in Russian-language propaganda efforts in recent years and has reportedly established personal and professional relationships with individuals linked to Russian intelligence.

Records indicate that he attended events organized by Russian state apparatus where entry would have required intelligence clearance.

Details surrounding Spöttle’s situation have come to light through interviews with individuals close to government circles, former Hungarian intelligence officials, as well as from emails and photographs obtained by investigators.

In response to inquiries about the incident, the Prime Minister's Office misinterpreted the questions, suggesting they pertained to Spöttle’s own security clearance rather than that of the failed applicant.

Spöttle’s dismay over his acquaintance's failure in the clearance process reportedly moved him to seek support from various political and governmental connections, although ultimately no aid materialized.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the situation and announced a retreat from public life in early 2025, though he subsequently resumed writing and engaging in public commentary on pro-government platforms, focusing primarily on the Russia-Ukraine war.

The nature of Spöttle’s commentary often aligns closely with Russian narratives regarding the conflict.

Leaked communications reveal striking similarities between his statements and materials allegedly provided by Russian military intelligence.

One notable connection was with Oleg Smirnov, the military attaché at the Russian embassy in Budapest, through whom Spöttle attended a Russian defense ministry conference in Moscow.

Documents obtained detail a correspondence in which Spöttle expressed intentions to publish insights gained from this conference in Hungarian media.

Following his return, he intensified his output concerning the Ukraine-Russia war, predominantly from a pro-Russian perspective.

Spöttle's analyses often mirror Kremlin talking points—targeting military technology while extending beyond the usual pro-government rhetoric in Hungary.

For instance, he suggested that certain government projects could become significant military targets in the event of escalated conflict.

His previous statements regarding the Russian intelligence apparatus starkly contrast with early perceptions.

In past interviews, Spöttle criticized their methods but shifted to openly supporting Russian strategy in the Ukraine conflict post-2022, aligning himself more closely with Fidesz propaganda efforts.

The Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a key institution expected to uphold rigorous national security standards, has faced scrutiny over its vetting processes, especially when recent events have revealed vulnerabilities in assessing potential diplomats.

Despite Spöttle’s associations being under ongoing examination by national security services, he appears to continue operating within spheres already known to be compromised, leading to concerns about the integrity of diplomatic channels and national security in Hungary.