Maria Ragutkina10:15, 17.04.25

Usually, legislators are given disposable phones and simple laptops, but this time the European Parliament did something different.

Members of the European Parliament were offered special cases to protect their digital devices from spying and hacking during a trip to Hungary this week, a sign of growing concerns about espionage in Europe, Politico reports .

According to the publication, five members of the civil liberties committee left for Hungary on April 14 for a three-day visit. There, they are to learn about the country’s progress in the areas of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights.

One MEP confirmed to reporters that the European Parliament’s security services offered officials joining the delegation “Faraday bags” – special cases with a metal coating that blocks electromagnetic signals. They also advised lawmakers to be more careful when using public Wi-Fi networks or charging stations.

Special cases are used to protect devices from hacker interference, as well as from other types of surveillance by blocking incoming and outgoing signals.

The publication recalled that in 2018, news broke about the European Parliament’s use of anti-spy devices. At that time, it was reported that some officials traveling to the United States were given disposable phones and simple laptops to avoid the risk of espionage. However, the European Commission denied information that instructions were issued to use disposable phones during official missions to the United States.

The journalists explained that the EU leadership occasionally issues its senior officials with disposable phones for trips that require special attention, if they are dealing with exclusively confidential matters. This protocol is more often used during trips to countries such as China, where there is an increased risk of state espionage and surveillance.

According to a member of the European Parliament, representatives of the delegation that traveled to Hungary this week were not given disposable phones and simple laptops in advance.

“All necessary assessments have been carried out to ensure the European Parliament’s duty to care for its elected members and staff,” the EP spokesperson told reporters.

It is specified that legislators are “periodically informed” about safety and cybersecurity measures during missions, and “MEPs are also provided with supporting materials.”

(C)UNIAN 2025