European Commission awaits clarification from Hungarian government about Szijjártó’s alleged leaking to Russia

"The reports regarding the Hungarian Foreign Minister allegedly disclosing to his Russian counterpart the closed door ministerial-level discussions in the Council are greatly concerning, and we expect the Hungarian government to provide clarifications”– European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper said on Monday in response to a journalist’s question.

Hipper added that a relationship of trust between member states and the institution is fundamental for the work of the EU.

The Washington Post reported on Saturday about the Orbán government having maintained close ties with Russia even after the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war, and claimed that Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has used breaks in EU negotiations to brief his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov on the latest developments. According to the report, the Russian leadership has thus for years, essentially been receiving information on all EU matters immediately.

Szijjártó called the article a preposterous conspiracy theory and fake news. On Monday, Politico reported, citing several EU diplomats, that European Union decision-makers are “limiting the flow of confidential material to Hungary and leaders are meeting in smaller groups” due to the fear that the Hungarian government is leaking information to Russia.

On Monday, the Hungarian pro-government press reported that Péter Szijjártó may have been wiretapped; in response, Viktor Orbán wrote on Facebook: “The wiretapping of a government official is a serious attack against Hungary.” Opposition leader Péter Magyar wrote: “According to currently available information, Péter Szijjártó is colluding with the Russians, and is thus betraying both Hungarian and European interests. This is treason, punishable by life imprisonment.”