The EU expects explanations from Hungary regarding Szijjártó’s accusations of leaking confidential data
The European Commission has officially expressed its deep concern over information that Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó may have passed confidential discussions held at EU foreign ministers’ meetings to Russia.
European Commission spokeswoman Anitta Hipper said in a statement on Monday that such actions were undermining the foundations of European solidarity.
“Reports that the Hungarian Foreign Minister allegedly disclosed to his Russian counterpart the content of a ministerial-level discussion behind closed doors in the Council are deeply concerning,” she officially stated.
According to the official, the institutional work of the entire association is based on absolute trust both between individual member states and in their interaction with the EU’s governing bodies.
Currently, Brussels expects the Hungarian government to provide comprehensive explanations regarding the current situation. Anitta Gipper stressed that transparency in this matter is critical for further cooperation.
“We expect the Hungarian government to provide clarification,” added the representative of the European Union’s executive branch.
At the same time, she refrained from making predictions about possible sanctions or restrictions that could be imposed against Budapest if the facts of the transfer of information are confirmed. The issue of security for future summits and protection of secret discussions at the level of heads of state remains open until all the circumstances of the incident are clarified.
“First we need to find out and get clarification, and this is exactly the stage we are at now,” the European Commission spokeswoman concluded.
The situation surrounding Peter Szijjártó poses an unprecedented challenge for the EU diplomatic corps, as Russia, Moscow and Putin gain access to the inner workings of European decision-making through the mediation of one of the union’s members.
