EU demands explanations from Hungary on visa facilitation for Russians

The EU demanded that Hungary respond to concerns that Budapest’s decision to ease visa requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens increases the risk of espionage in the bloc.

Ylva Johansson, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, sent the corresponding letter to Hungary.

Ylva Johansson said on the social network X that she agreed with the EU’s security concerns and sent Budapest a letter asking it to answer a number of questions by August 19.

“Russia is a security threat. We need more, not less vigilance. Giving potential Russian spies and saboteurs easy EU access would undermine the security of us all. Today in a letter I ask the Hungarian government to explain. If their easy access scheme is a risk, we will act,” Johansson wrote on social media platform X.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is the only EU leader who has maintained close ties with the Kremlin since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He signed a decree earlier this month to extend the visa fast-track program to eight countries, including Russia and Belarus.

The immigration program allows citizens of these countries to apply for so-called “national cards” to be able to work in Hungary. Previously, such cards were available only to citizens of Ukraine and Serbia.

The largest group in the European Parliament, the European People’s Party, complained this week that the relaxation of the rules could create “serious loopholes for espionage activities.”

Lithuania has appealed to the European Commission over Hungary’s decision to ease entry for Russian and Belarusian citizens.

In response, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó accused the Baltic states of a propaganda campaign against Budapest.

According to the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry, the EU member states still have untapped ways to stop Russian citizens from entering the Schengen area, even if Budapest liberalizes visa access for them.

These discussions are happening in parallel with the recent exchange of prisoners between the West and Russia. This serves as further evidence that Russian citizens, including killers and spies, are increasingly entering Europe. In this light, a more thorough examination of potential threats becomes even more urgent.