A journalistic investigation has uncovered that Hungary's Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, has been in contact with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, which has raised alarms within the European Commission. It is believed that Szijjártó, who is close to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has been briefing Lavrov on the discussions taking place during European Council meetings, fueling suspicions about the Hungarian government's loyalty to Moscow.
This information comes at a time when the European Union is striving to establish a unified stance on foreign policy, particularly in light of the rise of far-right movements that tend to align with Washington and Moscow. The news, first reported by the Washington Post, elicited swift reactions from the European Commission, with its spokesperson expressing grave concern over what was described as a "dangerous behavior" that undermines trust among member states.
Details of the Incident
Reports indicate that Szijjártó has made direct communications with Lavrov during European Council meetings, reinforcing the belief that Orbán's government is acting as a "fifth column" for Moscow within the EU. Since the onset of the war in Ukraine in 2022, Szijjártó has visited Moscow 16 times, further intensifying doubts regarding his loyalty.
In the first official reaction, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that he was not surprised by the news, noting that he had avoided intervening in meetings unless absolutely necessary. Former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis confirmed that he had received credible information regarding this matter, prompting him and his colleagues to exercise caution when handling sensitive information during the Hungarian minister's presence.
Background & Context
This news coincides with rising tensions among EU member states, as some governments seek to bolster their positions against Russian threats. Research has shown that major countries in the EU have been keen to neutralize the Hungarian delegation during sensitive discussions, reflecting increasing distrust towards Orbán's government.
The investigation also pointed out that Russian intelligence had proposed a plan to support Orbán's re-election in the upcoming elections by orchestrating a thwarted assassination attempt, which could create a positive narrative about Hungary-Russia relations.
Impact & Consequences
These developments represent an additional complication in the relationship between the EU and Orbán's government. Calls have increased from several member states to activate Article 7 of the EU Treaty, which allows for the expulsion of countries that violate the Union's core values.
The Hungarian government has categorically denied these accusations, asserting that the surveillance of the Foreign Minister's calls constitutes an infringement on its sovereignty. Meanwhile, Orbán has tasked the Minister of Justice with conducting a thorough investigation into this information.
Regional Significance
The Arab region is indirectly affected by these developments, as complex international relations impact stability in the Middle East. Furthermore, the rise of far-right movements in Europe may influence immigration and asylum policies, affecting Arab countries that host refugees.
In conclusion, these events highlight the importance of monitoring international relations and their impact on domestic policies, as any deviation in balance could lead to unforeseen consequences at both regional and international levels.