The European Commission has requested clarifications from the Hungarian government regarding reports that Péter Szijjarto, Hungary’s Foreign Minister, has shared with Russia the content of closed-door EU ministers’ debates. The Commission’s deputy spokesperson, Arianna Podestà, described these reports as “deeply concerning.”
The EU executive considers trust between member states and the institution essential for the proper functioning of the EU. Therefore, it expects the Hungarian government to provide the necessary clarifications. The Commission has not made any decisions yet but is waiting to establish the facts before considering possible measures.
Brussels’ reaction comes after ‘The Washington Post’ reported that Hungary has been leaking confidential information to the Kremlin for years. According to the outlet, Minister Szijjártó regularly makes calls during breaks in ministerial meetings to inform his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, about what was discussed in Brussels.
Persistent suspicions
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk was one of the first to react, stating on social media that these suspicions have long been present among EU leaders. Tusk indicated that, due to these suspicions, he avoids speaking more than necessary at European summits.
Hungarian Minister Péter Szijjártó responded to the accusations by calling them “false information” and accused Poland of supporting the opposition party Tisza with their messages to establish a “pro-war puppet government” in Hungary. Tensions between the two countries have intensified with these cross accusations.
In this context, the presidents of Poland and Hungary, Karol Nawrocki and Tamás Sulyok, respectively, met in Przemysl. Nawrocki emphasized the importance of the historical friendship between the two countries, despite the current political fluctuations and criticisms from Tusk’s government over the Hungarian president’s visit.
Nawrocki stressed that, as in any friendship, there are areas of agreement and disagreement. He highlighted that both Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, are seen as an existential threat to Poland. However, he acknowledged that states make their own diplomatic decisions, alluding to the good relations between Budapest and Moscow.
The meeting between the two heads of state will continue in Hungary, where Nawrocki will meet with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This visit has caused unrest in Tusk’s government, which questions the benefits for Poland of meeting with Orbán, whom they consider an obstacle to Polish initiatives in Brussels.
The European Commission has requested clarifications from the Hungarian government regarding reports that Péter Szijjarto, Hungary’s Foreign Minister, has shared with Russia the content of closed-door EU ministers’ debates. The Commission’s deputy spokesperson, Arianna Podestà, described these reports as “deeply concerning.”
The EU executive considers trust between member states and the institution essential for the proper functioning of the EU. Therefore, it expects the Hungarian government to provide the necessary clarifications. The Commission has not made any decisions yet but is waiting to establish the facts before considering possible measures.
Brussels’ reaction comes after ‘The Washington Post’ reported that Hungary has been leaking confidential information to the Kremlin for years. According to the outlet, Minister Szijjártó regularly makes calls during breaks in ministerial meetings to inform his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, about what was discussed in Brussels.
Persistent suspicions
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk was one of the first to react, stating on social media that these suspicions have long been present among EU leaders. Tusk indicated that, due to these suspicions, he avoids speaking more than necessary at European summits.
Hungarian Minister Péter Szijjártó responded to the accusations by calling them “false information” and accused Poland of supporting the opposition party Tisza with their messages to establish a “pro-war puppet government” in Hungary. Tensions between the two countries have intensified with these cross accusations.
In this context, the presidents of Poland and Hungary, Karol Nawrocki and Tamás Sulyok, respectively, met in Przemysl. Nawrocki emphasized the importance of the historical friendship between the two countries, despite the current political fluctuations and criticisms from Tusk’s government over the Hungarian president’s visit.
Nawrocki stressed that, as in any friendship, there are areas of agreement and disagreement. He highlighted that both Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, are seen as an existential threat to Poland. However, he acknowledged that states make their own diplomatic decisions, alluding to the good relations between Budapest and Moscow.
The meeting between the two heads of state will continue in Hungary, where Nawrocki will meet with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This visit has caused unrest in Tusk’s government, which questions the benefits for Poland of meeting with Orbán, whom they consider an obstacle to Polish initiatives in Brussels.
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