EU to Tighten Secrecy Rules Amid Risk of Data Leaks to Russia — Politico

The European Union is preparing to significantly strengthen its data protection and confidentiality framework amid growing concerns over potential leaks of sensitive information to Russia. The proposed measures include stricter access controls to classified documents, tighter restrictions on electronic devices, and the development of secure internal digital platforms for EU staff.

According to Politico, the initiative follows a series of alarming incidents. These include allegations that the Hungarian government may have shared details of internal EU discussions with Moscow, concerns about potential data exposure via political actors in member states, and reports that a phone call involving an EU official may have been intercepted.

Brussels is considering expanding the scope of documents classified as “secret,” which would trigger automatic investigations in the event of leaks and impose tougher sanctions on those responsible. Under the proposed system, access to such materials would be limited to secure reading rooms, and even national parliamentarians may face restrictions.

Digital security is also a key focus. The EU has already introduced stricter rules on electronic devices and is exploring the use of internal or national messaging platforms instead of widely used foreign applications. By the end of the year, the bloc plans to launch dedicated systems for handling sensitive but unclassified information.

Diplomats stress that tightening secrecy measures is a necessary response to hybrid threats and ongoing information warfare. The urgency is further heightened by upcoming elections in Hungary: if Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is re-elected, the EU may accelerate the implementation of these security measures.

Experts note that these changes could reshape the balance between transparency and security within EU institutions in an increasingly tense geopolitical environment.