The European Commission has demanded an urgent explanation from Hungary after a leaked phone call between foreign minister Péter Szijjártó and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov raised fresh concern about Budapest’s ties with the Kremlin.
The recording, referenced in the source material, appeared to show Szijjártó offering to forward Lavrov an internal EU document linked to Ukraine’s efforts to join the European Union. The revelation has added to long-running unease in Brussels over Hungary’s position on Russia and the war in Ukraine.
A European Commission spokesperson described the alleged material as “alarming,” saying it pointed to the “possibility of a member states government coordinating with Russia” and “actively working against the security and the interests of the EU and all its citizens.”
The spokesperson said the situation was “extremely concerning” and stressed that it was for the government involved to explain itself “as a matter of urgency.” European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, the spokesperson added, would also raise the matter at leaders’ level.
The latest disclosure comes amid continuing scrutiny of Hungary’s relationship with Moscow. Budapest has repeatedly taken a different line from many other EU governments on Russia-related issues, and this new leak is likely to intensify pressure on Hungarian officials to account for the exchange.
At the centre of the controversy is the apparent reference to an internal European Union document concerning Ukraine’s accession process. If accurate, the exchange would raise questions not only about Hungary’s conduct within the bloc, but also about the handling of sensitive EU material and the broader implications for European security and unity.
The Commission’s response signals that the issue is being treated as more than a diplomatic embarrassment. By calling for an explanation at once and flagging the matter for discussion among EU leaders, Brussels has indicated that it views the alleged conversation as a serious political concern.
The source material does not indicate any immediate response from Szijjártó or the Hungarian government, but the pressure from Brussels is now public and direct. As the Commission framed it, the matter is urgent and must be addressed by the member state involved.
