The European Commission is demanding an explanation from Hungary regarding a possible data leak to Russia

The European Commission is awaiting official clarification from the Hungarian government regarding the alleged transfer of confidential information from EU Council meetings at the ministerial level to the Russian authorities. 

This was stated on March 23, 2026, by European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper, who emphasized that reports of Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó providing details of closed-door discussions to the Russian side are causing great concern. According to her, trust between member states and institutions is fundamental to the functioning of the Union.

The spokesperson stressed that to resolve the issue and potentially tighten security rules, the facts must first be established. The EU system has clear rules regarding the various levels of document classification and restrictions on access to them. While the circumstances are still being clarified, Hipper did not confirm reports of restrictions on Hungary’s access to classified information, noting that coordination with Budapest on a vast number of issues continues on a daily basis.

The European Commission also denied rumors that President Ursula von der Leyen is avoiding meetings involving Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The Commission remains in constant contact with all EU leaders. This diplomatic scandal is unfolding amid reports that Szijjártó may have provided “live updates” to Sergey Lavrov directly during meetings, which jeopardizes the bloc’s collective security amid ongoing Russian aggression.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called the possible eavesdropping on Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó an attack on the country and ordered an immediate investigation into the matter. The scandal erupted after the pro-government media outlet Mandiner published an audio recording of a conversation between an investigative journalist and a source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the publication, Szijjártó’s phone number was allegedly passed on to foreign intelligence services to monitor the minister.

The Hungarian opposition also promises to investigate Szijjártó’s ties to Russia.