EU reacts to 'concerning' report of Hungarian leak to Russia
DW.com • • world
Key Points:
- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged "wiretapping" of Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, calling it a serious attack on Hungary.
- The Washington Post reported that Szijjarto regularly shared sensitive EU negotiation details with Russia, accusations he dismissed as "fake news" and conspiracy theories; the report did not mention wiretapping but alleged direct briefings to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
- The European Commission and German Foreign Ministry expressed serious concern over the allegations, emphasizing the importance of trust and confidentiality in EU negotiations and demanding clarifications from Hungary.
- The controversy arises amid a tense Hungarian election campaign and Orban's efforts to block a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine unless Russian oil deliveries resume, highlighting Hungary's contentious stance within the EU and NATO regarding Russia.
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk indicated longstanding suspicions about Hungary's close ties to Russia, reflecting broader unease among EU members about Hungary's position during the Ukraine conflict.
