Summary
The European Commission conducted an internal investigation into Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó following allegations that he leaked confidential European Union meeting information to Russian officials. The inquiry began in October 2025 and became public in late March 2026, just weeks before Hungary’s parliamentary election. Media reports and leaked audio recordings alleged that Szijjártó briefed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on sensitive EU discussions and offered to transmit internal documents. The Commission responded by demanding urgent clarification from Hungary and temporarily restricting the flow of confidential material. After reviewing the evidence, the Commission formally closed the investigation on May 8, 2026, concluding that no serious security breach had occurred and taking no further action against Szijjártó or the Hungarian government.
Detailed Report
1. Background to the Allegations
The European Commission launched an internal investigation into Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó in October 2025. This action was prompted by concerns within the EU regarding the possible transfer of confidential information from EU meetings to Russian officials, particularly in the context of Hungary’s ongoing diplomatic engagement with Russia.
2. Alleged Leaks and Media Reports
The investigation entered public view in late March 2026, when The Washington Post published a report alleging that Szijjártó had briefed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during breaks in EU Foreign Affairs Council meetings. According to these reports, Szijjártó provided updates on EU discussions, Hungary’s positions, and possible next steps.
3. EU Response and Security Measures
In March 2026, Politico Europe reported that the EU was limiting the flow of confidential material to Hungary and that EU leaders had begun convening in smaller groups to mitigate the risk of leaks. The following day, Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper publicly described the reports as “greatly concerning” and demanded urgent clarification from the Hungarian government, emphasizing the importance of trust between member states and EU institutions.
4. Leaked Audio Recordings
In early April 2026, a consortium of investigative outlets—including VSquare, The Insider, and Delfi—published audio recordings. One recording, dated July 2, 2024, captured Szijjártó offering to transmit an EU document concerning national minorities in Ukraine’s accession process to Russia via the Hungarian embassy in Moscow. Additional recordings addressed Hungary’s role in EU sanctions deliberations. On April 8, 2026, Reuters reported on these leaked audios, and on April 9, the Commission raised the matter at the leaders’ level, reiterating its demand for urgent clarification from Hungary. Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho described the matter as “extremely” serious.
5. Timing of the Probe Amid Hungary’s Election Campaign
The Hungarian parliamentary election was held on April 12, 2026, with the official campaign period beginning on February 21, 2026. The investigation became public approximately three weeks before election day, drawing significant attention during the campaign. The Commission explicitly indicated that no formal EU response would be issued before the election.
6. Finalization and Closure of the Investigation
On April 14, 2026, the Commission confirmed at a midday press briefing that progress had been made and that all administrative steps were being finalized, while stating it had no further public comment on the operational security matter at that time. On May 8, 2026, the Commission formally closed the investigation. The official conclusion stated: “The relevant Commission services have now finalised the investigation and on this basis the Commission has concluded that no serious security breach could be identified in relation to the allegations appearing in the media.” No infringement proceedings were initiated, and no further action was taken against Szijjártó or Hungary.
Conclusion
The European Commission’s investigation into allegations against Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó spanned from October 2025 to May 2026. After a thorough review of media reports, leaked recordings, and internal assessments, the Commission found no evidence of a serious security breach and closed the case without further action.