Hungary simplifies entry conditions for Russians and Belarusians - DW
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Russian President Vladimir Putin (photo: Getty Images)
Hungary is quietly easing entry requirements for citizens of Russia and Belarus, according to a post by Deutsche Welle on X (formerly Twitter).
Following Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's visit to Moscow, Budapest has included Russians and Belarusians in the so-called National Card program. This card is issued to those wishing to work in Hungary for two years, with the possibility of an extension.
The German edition RND notes that at the European level, there is no special vetting for holders of the National Card, which has raised concerns among Hungary's neighbors. RND also reminds that the Hungarian government announced in the spring that it expects around 65,000 labor migrants with their families.
A Member of the European Parliament told RND that allowing entry into an EU country without checks while Russia is actively working to weaken Europe through hybrid attacks is the wrong approach. However, he also believes that it is incorrect to brand all Russian citizens.
Europe's reaction to Hungary's loyalty to Russia
Recently, Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggested that Viktor Orbán should leave the EU and NATO and form an alliance with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This response came after Orbán criticized the flawed policies of the EU and NATO, as well as Poland's hypocrisy.
The Polish MFA representative, Teofil Bartoszewski, added that, unlike Hungary, Poland has not engaged in business with Russia following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as it viewed the attack as one against Poland, the US, the EU, and NATO.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that Hungary's stance is irritating other EU members as well. Currently, the country appears increasingly isolated within the EU.
