Barroso raises concerns over Hungary’s alleged information sharing with Russia
José Manuel Barroso stated that allegations of Hungary sharing confidential information with Russia during EU meetings are “very disturbing and greatly concerning”.
European Commission spokesperson expressed deep concern over Hungary’s alleged disclosures to Russia, emphasising the potential legal and diplomatic implications for EU member states‘ cooperation.
European Council President António Costa is expected to address Hungary’s communication practices with Russia in an upcoming meeting, focusing on potential diplomatic actions.
Key developments
José Manuel Barroso, former president of the European Commission, described allegations of Hungary sharing confidential information with Russia during EU meetings as “very disturbing and greatly concerning”. He emphasised the need for “sincere cooperation among member states”.
Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó acknowledged his regular phone conversations with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, insisting that these contacts are “completely normal”. However, such dialogues raise significant questions regarding Budapest’s loyalty amidst ongoing EU discussions.
A spokesperson for the European executive echoed Barroso’s concerns, labelling the reports about Hungary’s foreign minister disclosing sensitive information as greatly troubling. The bloc may opt for legal actions against breaches of sincere cooperation.
Budapest’s contact with Moscow during key EU meetings ‘greatly concerning,’ says Barroso
José Manuel Barroso, former president of the European Commission, said allegations that Hungary shared confidential information with Russia during EU meetings are “very disturbing and greatly concerning”.
In an interview on EU News’ flagship morning programme ‘Europe Today’, Barroso stressed the importance of “sincere cooperation among member states”.
He added that Budapest should first make clear the extent of its contact with the Kremlin, adding that if the clarification “is not sufficient,” then European Council President António Costa should move to exclude Hungary “in some matters”.
Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó admitted a few days ago after media reports emerged that he regularly speaks on the phone with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. The contacts have happened “before and after” Brussels meetings, said Budapest’s top diplomat.
According to Szijjártó, these contacts are “completely normal” and “standard practice”, though discussions in such meetings are understood to be confidential.
Szijjártó noted that he had briefed not only Russia but also Turkey, Israel, Serbia, and the United States, something Barroso described as “quite strange” as it puts Budapest and Washington “at the same level”.
For Barroso, this “raises very important matters of loyalty among member states”.
But this might not be the first time Hungary is in the spotlight for such incidents. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk had previously revealed that Lithuania requested the exclusion of a Hungarian delegation from a NATO meeting as early as 2019, amid fears that it may have shared classified information to Moscow.
“The reports regarding the Hungarian foreign minister allegedly disclosing to his Russian counterpart the closed-door ministerial-level discussions in the Council are greatly concerning,” said a spokesperson for the European executive on Monday.
While the bloc can take legal measures against countries violating the duty of sincere cooperation, Barroso outlined that a political or diplomatic approach might be more favourable.
“We can always show to a country that behaves not respecting the basic principles of decency that the countries can move on politically as well”, he told EU News.
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