Hungary Leaked EU Secrets to Russia, Minister Accused

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has been accused of regularly briefing Russian officials on European Union negotiations, according to a report published by The Washington Post. The alleged disclosures, occurring during breaks in EU meetings over several years, involved direct phone calls to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, detailing the substance and progress of discussions.

A European security official, speaking to The Washington Post, claimed that these communications effectively placed “Moscow…present at the table for practically every EU meeting in recent years.” Szijjártó has denied the allegations.

The report comes as Hungary prepares for local elections, and has already drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures. Péter Magyar, a leading opposition politician, described the alleged actions as “a complete betrayal,” asserting that Szijjártó had “betrayed not only his country, but also Europe.”

The claims have also prompted reactions from neighboring countries. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that reports of Hungarian officials providing Moscow with detailed information on EU Council meetings were “not surprising,” adding that he had long held suspicions in this regard. Tusk indicated his reluctance to comment publicly on the matter, stating he only speaks “when It’s necessary, and I say only as much as necessary.”

Szijjártó dismissed the accusations as “lies” intended to bolster the opposition Tisza party and create a “pro-war puppet government” in Hungary, a scenario he insists will not occur.

Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Szijjártó has made 16 official visits to Moscow, most recently on March 4th, where he met with President Vladimir Putin. This level of engagement contrasts sharply with the approach taken by most other EU heads of state and government, with exceptions including Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

According to a report from Euronews, Szijjártó has allegedly been sharing “operational reports” from EU meetings with Russia for years. TVP World reported that Szijjártó briefed Lavrov “live” from EU meetings, according to an insider source.