EU, Hungary tensions escalate over visa facilitation for Russians

BRUSSELS

The European Union's tensions with Hungary have intensified due to Budapest's alleged softening of Schengen visa restrictions for Russian citizens, leaving the EU Commission awaiting further clarification from Hungary on its "National Card" program.

This controversy follows Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's contentious visit to Moscow, shortly after Hungary took over the EU presidency. The visit has further strained EU-Hungary relations.

EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, sought an explanation from Hungary over reports that the "National Card" program facilitates easier EU travel for Russian and Belarusian citizens. Budapest missed the response deadline on Monday, remaining silent on the matter.

The issue is set to be a focal point at the upcoming EU foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels on August 28. This meeting was relocated from Hungary due to the ongoing tensions, a departure from the tradition of holding such meetings in the presidency-holding nation's capital.

Hungary’s stance on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict often diverges from that of the EU, with Orban receiving criticism for being "pro-Russian," a claim he refutes. Additionally, Hungary has disagreed with the EU on Ukraine’s military and financial aid and its EU membership negotiations.

These disputes add to the EU’s existing concerns about Hungary’s commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law, which have resulted in the suspension of significant EU budget allocations to Hungary under the "breach of Union law" procedures.