Overview
- France’s foreign minister, who spoke Thursday on national radio, called the alleged conduct a betrayal of EU solidarity and urged Viktor Orbán to honor common commitments.
- The European Commission asked Hungary to explain the reports “in the shortest time,” with spokesperson Paula Pinho calling the claims extremely concerning and warning of a possible alignment with Russia against EU security.
- A consortium of East‑European outlets — The Insider, VSquare, and Delfi — reported in late March that Péter Szijjártó shared strategic details with Sergey Lavrov, including a July 2024 call where he pledged to immediately send an EU document on Ukraine’s accession talks.
- Péter Szijjártó denies the allegations and says foreign intelligence services tapped and posted his calls as interference in Hungary’s campaign before Sunday’s close parliamentary vote.
- Jean‑Noël Barrot said the leaks cast doubt on the integrity of EU deliberations, a worry sharpened by EU meetings that often exclude aides and depend on candor behind closed doors.