The European Commission has requested explanations from the Hungarian government regarding allegations of confidential information being shared with Russian authorities. This request follows reports suggesting that Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, may have disclosed details from closed EU ministerial meetings to his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.
During a press briefing, Commission spokesperson Anita Hipper expressed serious concerns over the potential breach of trust among EU member states. “Trusting relationships between EU member states, as well as between them and the institution, are fundamental to the functioning of the EU, and we expect appropriate clarifications from the Hungarian government,” she stated.
“Trusting relationships between EU member states, as well as between them and the institution, are fundamental to the functioning of the EU, and we expect appropriate clarifications from the Hungarian government,” she stated.
Deputy spokesperson Arianna Podesta elaborated on the EU’s protocols regarding document confidentiality, indicating that there are various levels of secrecy associated with different types of documents. “There are different levels of restrictions, and specific requirements are established for each level. This applies to all EU institutions. Of course, sometimes we have confidential documents that institutions operate with,” she explained.
Podesta, however, did not confirm media reports that the EU had restricted Hungary’s access to confidential information. “We are in constant contact with all our member states. We have a vast array of topics that we coordinate daily with our member states, and this certainly includes Hungary,” she added.
Earlier, The Washington Post reported, citing current and former European security officials, that the Hungarian government has long provided Moscow with critical insights into sensitive discussions within the EU. Specifically, Szijjarto has reportedly communicated with Lavrov during breaks in EU Council meetings, updating him on discussions and potential decisions. As of now, Szijjarto has not commented on these allegations.
The European Commission is seeking explanations from Hungary regarding potential leaks of confidential EU discussions to Russia. Concerns have arisen over the trust among member states, following reports of Hungary's Foreign Minister communicating sensitive information to his Russian counterpart.