Leaked deal: Hungary pushing closer cooperation with Russia
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (Photo: REUTERS/Marton Monus)
New evidence has emerged of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s efforts to deepen Hungary’s economic and political ties with Russia, a key issue in the lead-up to the April 12 parliamentary election, Politico reported on April 8.
The documents obtained by Politico show that Budapest and Moscow signed a 12-point agreement to expand cooperation across trade, energy, education and culture. The deal was signed in December in the Russian capital by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko, following bilateral talks.
The agreement outlines closer alignment in sectors including oil, gas and nuclear energy, and calls for joint projects in electricity and hydrogen. It also proposes boosting Russian language education in Hungary, expanding academic exchanges and increasing cooperation in areas such as sports and cultural programs.
The meeting marked the 16th session of the Russian-Hungarian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, which has convened regularly since 2005, though talks paused after Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
According to the documents, both sides pledged to reverse the decline in trade caused by European Union sanctions and emphasized building long-term ties across multiple sectors. One clause notes that cooperation should remain consistent with Hungary’s EU obligations.
Szijjártó defended the policy, claiming Budapest’s bilateral relations are guided by national interests.
Orbán’s ties to Moscow have become a central campaign issue of the crucial parliamentary elections. His main rival, Péter Magyar, has accused the government of “outright treason” over its Russia policy.
Orbán, who has been in power for 16 years, is facing a strong challenge from the center-right Tisza opposition. His campaign has framed close ties with Moscow as essential to Hungary’s energy security, while warning that opponents could draw the country deeper into the war in Ukraine.
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