A move by Hungary to ease visa rules for workers from Russia and Belarus has sparked concern among European conservatives over possible “espionage,” according to a letter viewed on Tuesday by French news agency AFP.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has remained close to the Kremlin despite the war in Ukraine, signed a decree easing restrictions for nationals from eight countries in early July. There is no quota, individuals can apply in all types of sectors, and family reunification is an option.
After Serbia and Ukraine, citizens from Russia, Belarus, and a number of Western Balkan states are now included on the list.
This new status is “highly questionable” in the present geopolitical climate, says Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s Party (EPP, right), the main group in the European Parliament.
In a letter sent this week to European Council President Charles Michel, he said such a policy could open serious breaches favouring espionage activities and potentially allow a significant number of Russians to enter Hungary with minimal surveillance, posing a serious risk to national security.
It could also facilitate the movement of Russians within the Schengen free movement area, in which Hungary participates, hence circumventing European restrictions, the EPP leader added.
The EPP is urging the 27 Member States to adopt the strictest possible measures to protect the integrity of the area, and to prevent other Member States from taking similar action.
Tensions between Brussels and Budapest, which has held the rotating presidency of the EU Council since 1 July, have been high since Orban’s early July visit to Russian President Vladimir Putin, a “peace initiative” he undertook unilaterally.
