European capitals are grappling with reports that Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has been regularly briefing his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, on confidential discussions within the European Council for years. The alleged practice, if confirmed, raises serious questions about the integrity of EU decision-making and Hungary’s commitment to the bloc’s collective security interests, particularly as the war in Ukraine continues. The accusations come at a sensitive time for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, as Hungary prepares for parliamentary elections on April 12, where his long-held power is facing a significant challenge.
According to a report by The Washington Post, Szijjártó routinely used breaks during EU meetings to phone Lavrov, providing real-time updates on the deliberations. A European security official quoted in the article stated that this meant “every single EU meeting for years has basically had Moscow behind the table.” The alleged briefings would have given the Kremlin insight into the strategies, concerns and potential red lines of EU member states, potentially undermining the bloc’s ability to formulate a unified response to Russian aggression and influence operations. This alleged information sharing regarding European Council meetings is a key element of the growing scrutiny surrounding Hungary’s relationship with Russia.
Hungary Denies the Allegations
Budapest swiftly dismissed the reports as “fake news” intended to damage the prospects of Orbán’s Fidesz party in the upcoming elections. Szijjártó himself vehemently denied the claims on X (formerly Twitter), accusing those making the allegations of attempting to install a “pro-war puppet government” in Hungary.
You are telling lies in order to support Tisza Party to have a pro-war puppet government in Hungary.
— Péter Szijjártó (@FM_Szijjarto) March 22, 2024
However, the accusations have resonated strongly in other European capitals, particularly in Poland. Warsaw has long been critical of Hungary’s close ties with Moscow and has expressed concerns about Orbán’s willingness to compromise on sanctions against Russia. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk responded to the reports with a pointed statement on X, suggesting that the alleged briefings were no surprise.
Wiadomość, że ludzie Orbána informują Moskwę o obradach Rady Europejskiej w każdym szczególe, nie powinna nikogo zaskakiwać. Podejrzewaliśmy to od dawna. Dlatego zabieram głos tylko wtedy, gdy jest to absolutnie konieczne i mówię tylko tyle, ile to konieczne.
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) March 22, 2024
“We’ve had our suspicions about that for a long time,” Tusk wrote, adding that he now limits his contributions during EU meetings to only what is “strictly necessary.”
A History of Pro-Kremlin Policies
Hungary has consistently been viewed as the most pro-Kremlin country within the European Union, maintaining close economic and political ties with Moscow even after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Szijjártó has undertaken 16 official visits to Moscow since the start of the invasion, including a recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 4, to discuss issues including the Druzhba oil pipeline. The Kyiv Independent reported on the meeting, highlighting the continued dialogue despite international condemnation of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
This stance has created significant friction with Ukraine, particularly in recent weeks. A dispute over the suspension of the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian crude oil to Hungary and Slovakia, has escalated tensions. Kyiv maintains that the pipeline was damaged by a Russian attack, a claim Budapest disputes. In response, Hungary and Slovakia halted diesel fuel supplies to Ukraine and blocked the EU’s 20th package of sanctions against Russia. Orbán is also currently blocking a proposed €90 billion ($106 billion) loan to Kyiv, a critical financial lifeline for the country as it defends itself against Russian aggression. The Kyiv Independent detailed the ongoing obstruction of the EU loan package.
Domestic Political Implications
The timing of these allegations is particularly significant given the upcoming Hungarian elections. Current polling data suggests that Orbán’s Fidesz party is trailing behind the Tisza Party, led by opposition figure Péter Magyar. Magyar has positioned himself as a challenger to Orbán’s authority, capitalizing on growing discontent with the government’s handling of the economy and its perceived closeness to Russia. The reports of Szijjártó’s alleged briefings could further erode support for Fidesz, potentially paving the way for a change in government after 16 years of Orbán’s rule.
The accusations also raise broader questions about the future of Hungary’s relationship with the EU. If the allegations are substantiated, it could lead to calls for sanctions against Hungarian officials or even a review of Hungary’s membership in the bloc. However, any such action would require the unanimous support of all EU member states, a prospect that remains uncertain given Hungary’s strong allies within the European Council.
The European Commission has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, but officials are reportedly monitoring the situation closely. Further investigation and potential inquiries are expected in the coming weeks. The next key date will be April 12, when Hungarians head to the polls, and the outcome of the election will likely have a significant impact on the future of Hungary’s foreign policy and its relationship with both Russia and the European Union.
This is a developing story, and time.news will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Readers seeking information about supporting Ukraine can find resources at USAID’s Ukraine page and the UNICEF Ukraine website.
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