EU warns Hungary about visa easing for Russians

– Russia is a security threat. We need more, not less vigilance, writes the EU’s Home Affairs Commissioner, Ylva Johansson, in a post on the messaging service X.

In July, Hungary expanded a program that allows foreigners to work in the country without security clearance to also include Russians and Belarusians. They can also bring their family with them, and they are not considered guest workers or part of national quotas for labor immigration. The permit is granted for two years, but can be renewed.

– Today, in a letter, I have asked the Hungarian government to explain itself. If this constitutes a threat, we will take measures.

Johansson has set a deadline of 19 August, and says that Hungary will face consequences if it turns out that the visa facilitation violates EU laws or threatens the Schengen area. However, she does not say anything about what these consequences might be.

Hungarian President Viktor Orban has maintained close ties with Vladimir Putin and Russia, even after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In July, he went on a so-called “peace trip” to Moscow, which caused anger and unrest within the EU and the West. Orban and Hungary currently hold the rotating presidency of the EU.