European Commission expects clarification from Hungary regarding possible information leaks to Russia

Amid media reports that Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto allegedly shared details of discussions from EU ministerial meetings with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, the European Commission has expressed concern and requested explanations from Budapest.

This was stated by European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper during a briefing in Brussels, Ukrinform's correspondent reports.

"The reports regarding the Hungarian foreign minister allegedly disclosing to his Russian counterpart the closed ministerial-level discussion in the Council are greatly concerning. A relationship of trust between member states and between them and institutions is fundamental for the work of the EU, and we expect the Hungarian government to provide the clarification," the spokesperson said.

No additional details were provided during the briefing, including who sent or received the request. European Commission representatives also declined to comment on whether any internal investigations would be launched or whether security protocols at meetings would be tightened, citing the need to verify the initial reports.

In response to a question about whether the European Commission had restricted Hungary's access to circulating information, the spokesperson noted that the media reports that emerged over the weekend remain unconfirmed allegations, and that the Commission maintains daily contact with all member states on a wide range of issues.

As Politico previously reported, citing European diplomats, sensitive discussions in the EU are increasingly being held without Hungary due to concerns about the possible transfer of confidential information to Russia.