European Union leaders have increasingly been conducting sensitive discussions without the participation of Hungary, amid concerns that Budapest could share confidential information with Moscow, reports Baltimore Chronicle via Politico. Diplomats report that crucial issues are now frequently debated in smaller formats rather than with all 27 member states present. These formats include E3 (Germany, France, Italy), the Weimar Triangle (Germany, France, Poland), and NB8 (eight Northern and Baltic European countries), among others.
According to reporting by The Washington Post on March 21, Hungary’s ties with Russia in recent years appear to have been stronger than previously recognized. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó allegedly communicated directly with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during breaks at EU summits, providing updates on ongoing discussions.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk commented on X on March 22, stating, “The news that Orban’s people are closely informing Moscow about EU Council meetings should not come as a surprise.” Tusk noted that such activities have long been suspected in Warsaw.
Hungary is set to hold parliamentary elections on April 12. The Orban government continues to deny any improper connections with Moscow. János Bóka, Hungary’s Minister for European Affairs, called the reports “fake news” intended to lower the ratings of Orban’s party.
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