Renew Europe MEPs Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Brigitte van den Berg, and Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle have submitted a parliamentary question to the Council, demanding answers on the implications of a leaked 12-point plan between Hungary and Russia for deepening bilateral cooperation amid Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. The MEPs warn that such ties could compromise the integrity of EU decision-making on sanctions and foreign policy, directly affecting the bloc's security and unity.
The question, filed on 8 April 2026 under reference E-001434/2026, follows recent reports that Hungary has agreed to the plan with Russia. The MEPs ask the Council to assess the risks posed to EU sanctions and foreign policy unity, and to outline concrete measures preventing undue Russian influence through member states maintaining close bilateral ties with Russia. They further inquire whether the Council considers developing mechanisms to suspend a member state's participation in sensitive deliberations when necessary to safeguard European security.
The question contains specific asks: a risk assessment, details of existing measures, and a policy proposal for suspension mechanisms. It signals a push for stronger EU-level safeguards against internal divisions exploited by external actors. The Council is expected to respond within approximately six weeks; its answer will indicate the extent to which it shares the MEPs' concerns and is willing to consider new tools to protect EU decision-making from foreign interference.