EU cuts Hungary out of sensitive talks over leaking-to-Russia fears, diplomats say
politico.eu • • world
Key Points:
- The EU is restricting the flow of confidential information to Hungary amid concerns that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government is sharing sensitive details with Russia, as warned by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
- Despite these allegations, no formal EU response is planned before Hungary’s April 12 election to avoid influencing the vote, though the European Commission has called on Hungary for clarifications about its communications with Moscow.
- Reports indicate Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has been updating Russian officials during EU meetings, prompting some EU leaders to hold discussions in smaller, trusted groups excluding Hungary to prevent leaks.
- Hungarian officials have dismissed the allegations as "fake news" and conspiracy theories, while opposition figures accuse Orbán’s government of betraying both Hungary and the EU by collaborating with Russia.
- The controversy coincides with Orbán’s refusal to approve €90 billion in loans to Ukraine, further straining relations within the EU and reinforcing suspicions of Hungary acting as a Russian ally within the bloc.
