Allegations have surfaced that Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has for years provided sensitive EU meeting information to Russian officials, including direct calls to Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during breaks in Brussels talks. A Washington Post investigation, citing European security sources, claims Moscow has effectively had a seat at every EU table.
The revelations come as Hungary prepares for a pivotal election on April 12, with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán trailing opposition candidate Péter Magyar. Orbán, long accused of aligning with autocratic regimes, has received full endorsement from former US President Donald Trump.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk responded dismissively, stating the leaks were long suspected and confirming he limits his remarks in EU meetings. Hungary is currently blocking the EU’s €90 billion aid package to Ukraine amid disputes over the Druzhba pipeline.
Meanwhile, Slovenia’s election ended in a near tie, with Prime Minister Robert Golob’s Freedom Movement securing 29 seats to Janez Janša’s 28. Janša, linked to an Israeli intelligence firm amid smear allegations, saw support collapse late in the race.
In France, municipal runoffs showed mixed results: the Left retained Paris and Marseille, while the far-right gained symbolic ground in Nice ahead of the 2027 presidential vote.