"Possible loopholes for spies": EU party leader on Hungary's eased entry for Russians, Belarusians

Manfred Weber shared his concerns in a letter to European Council President Charles Michel, according to the Financial Times.

He argued that Hungary's decision to ease visa restrictions for Russians could let unverified individuals move freely across much of the EU, raising serious national security concerns.

Weber questioned the necessity of Hungary's new immigration system, calling it doubtful. He also warned it might open serious loopholes for espionage and allow many Russians to enter Hungary with minimal checks.

Weber urged Charles Michel to address this at the next EU leaders' summit in October. He called on EU leaders to take the strictest measures to protect the Schengen area's integrity, mitigate the security risk, and prevent similar initiatives from other member states in the future.

Hungary simplifies entry conditions for citizens of Russia and Belarus

After the visit of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Moscow, Budapest has decided to simplify the conditions for entry into the country for Russians and Belarusians, according to DW. 

Following Orban's trip to Moscow, Hungary included Russians and Belarusians in the “national card” program. It is issued for two years with the possibility of extension for those who want to work in Hungary. There will be no special checks on the holders of the “national card”: this has already caused concern among Hungary's neighbors. 

MEP Sergey Lagodinsky emphasized that Budapest's permission to enter the EU without checking is the wrong way to go, as Russia is currently trying to weaken Europe through hybrid attacks. At the same time, he said it was wrong to “stigmatize all Russian citizens.”