Péter Szijjártó

Hungary’s foreign minister has been accused of secretly briefing Moscow on confidential European Union discussions for years — a claim that has ignited a political storm just weeks before the country heads to the polls.

An investigation by the Washington Post alleges that Péter Szijjártó repeatedly relayed sensitive information from EU meetings directly to Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov. The reports have deepened fears within Europe that Moscow may have had a window into high-level decision-making inside the bloc.

‘Moscow Behind the Table’ at EU Meetings

According to the report, Szijjártó would call Lavrov during breaks in EU gatherings to brief him on discussions among European leaders and signal possible responses from Brussels.

A European security official cited by the newspaper claimed the practice had been routine for years. “Every single EU meeting has basically had Moscow behind the table,” the source reportedly said.

If confirmed, the allegations would represent one of the most serious breaches of trust within the European Union in recent years.

Polish Leaders Voice Long-Held Suspicions

The claims quickly triggered reactions from senior European politicians, including Donald Tusk, the prime minister of Poland.

“The news that Orbán’s people inform Moscow about EU Council meetings in every detail shouldn’t come as a surprise,” Tusk wrote on social media. He said Warsaw had long suspected leaks from Budapest.

Poland’s foreign minister, Radosław Sikorski, responded bluntly online: “This would explain a lot, Peter.”

Election Battle Raises Stakes

The controversy lands in the middle of a fierce election campaign in Hungary ahead of parliamentary polls scheduled for 12 April.

Opinion surveys suggest the opposition Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, is currently ahead of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party.

The Washington Post also reported claims that Russian intelligence allegedly considered staging a fake assassination attempt against Orbán in an operation dubbed “Gamechanger” to strengthen his electoral prospects.

Budapest Rejects ‘Fake News’ Claims

Szijjártó has fiercely denied the allegations, accusing critics of spreading disinformation to influence Hungary’s election.

“Fake news as always,” he wrote on social media, claiming the reports were designed to help the opposition install what he called a “pro-war puppet government”.

With trust inside the EU already strained over Budapest’s ties with Moscow, the accusations risk pushing relations between Hungary and its European partners to a new breaking point.

Hungarian minister shared EU confidential information with Russia for years, report claims

With any luck Orban and Fidesz will be out of power by 13 April.

Not surprised, but surely there is evidence...and if so....why hasn't action been taken?

Edit: Intelligence agencies likely do have evidence, but it’s not being released because of legal thresholds and political risks. The EU’s workaround is to quietly isolate Hungary rather than trigger a public confrontation.

Hungary Admits Russia Calls During EU Talks, Deepening Rift With Brussels

Hungary’s foreign minister has admitted he regularly speaks with Russia during private European Union meetings — a revelation that is fuelling alarm in Brussels and intensifying political tensions ahead of Hungary’s national elections.

Péter Szijjártó confirmed he contacts Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov during breaks in EU foreign affairs meetings. The disclosure follows reports that such conversations had been taking place routinely despite the confidential nature of EU deliberations.

From ‘Fake News’ to Open Admission

The Hungarian government initially dismissed reports of the calls as fabrication. But speaking at a campaign event in Keszthely, Szijjártó acknowledged the contacts.

“Yes, these issues must be discussed with our partners outside the European Union,” he said. The minister insisted diplomacy requires speaking with multiple countries, adding he also talks with officials from the United States, Turkey, Israel and Serbia around EU meetings.

His remarks effectively confirm that communication with Moscow occurs while sensitive EU policy discussions are under way.

Brussels Demands Answers

The admission has triggered concern within the bloc. The European Commission described the reports as “concerning” and called on Budapest to clarify the extent of the contacts.

EU member states operate under a principle of “sincere cooperation”, meaning confidential policy discussions are not expected to be shared with outside governments.

If sensitive information was passed on, diplomats warn it could represent a serious breach of trust inside the union.

Orbán’s Moscow Ties Under Scrutiny

Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has maintained some of the closest relations with Moscow within the EU since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Budapest continues to import large volumes of Russian fossil fuels and has repeatedly resisted efforts to isolate the Kremlin.

Szijjártó himself has travelled to Moscow 16 times since the war began, most recently meeting Vladimir Putin earlier this month.

Election Pressure Mounts

The controversy lands in the middle of a heated campaign before Hungary’s parliamentary vote.

Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party faces a growing challenge from the opposition Tisza Party led by Péter Magyar, which recent polls suggest has taken the lead.

Hungarian foreign minister admits calling Russia's Lavrov during key EU meetings