Hungary Accused of Sharing EU Intelligence with Russia

Concerns are mounting over alleged intelligence sharing between Hungary and Russia, with accusations that Budapest has been relaying sensitive information from European Union meetings to Moscow. These claims reach amid heightened scrutiny of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s close ties with Russia and as EU member states increasingly seek to protect confidential discussions.

Report Details Alleged Information Sharing

A report published by the Washington Post on Saturday detailed allegations that Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó regularly updated his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, during breaks in EU meetings. This practice reportedly occurred throughout the duration of the war in Ukraine. Source

Shift in EU Diplomatic Practices

The alleged intelligence sharing has prompted a shift in EU diplomatic practices. According to one European government official, the concerns have led to a rise in smaller, more exclusive meeting formats – such as the E3, E4, E7, E8, Weimar alliance, NB8, and JEF – rather than holding meetings with all 27 EU members. These smaller groups aim to limit the potential for information leaks. Source

The Weimar alliance comprises France, Germany, and Poland. NB8 consists of the eight countries in the Nordics and Baltics, and JEF is the Joint Expeditionary Force of 10 northern European nations.

Previous Warnings and Concerns

Former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis revealed he was warned as early as 2024 that the Hungarian side might be passing information to Russia. He and his counterparts limited the information they shared when Szijjártó was present. Prior to a critical NATO summit in Vilnius in 2023, envoys reportedly excluded Budapest’s delegation from sensitive talks. Source

Orbán’s Relationship with Russia and Ukraine Loan Veto

These allegations surface as Viktor Orbán faces criticism for maintaining close ties with Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Orbán recently blocked a €90 billion (£77bn) loan for Ukraine, citing a dispute over a damaged pipeline that transports Russian oil to Hungary. Source He stated, “No oil = no money,” linking the release of funds to the resolution of the pipeline issue. Source

Lavrov’s Praise for Orbán

Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, has publicly praised Orbán for his actions regarding Ukraine’s potential accession to the EU. Lavrov made these comments during an interview with a Hungarian pro-Russian YouTube channel, highlighting the alignment of views between Putin and Orbán on historical events. Source

Szijjártó’s Interactions with Lavrov

Reports indicate that Péter Szijjártó offered to help arrange an interview between Lavrov and a Hungarian YouTuber. Source Szijjártó has received Russia’s Order of Friendship from Lavrov. Source