The EU urged Hungary to provide additional explanations regarding visa facilitation for Russians.

Hungary has not provided explanations to the European Commission regarding the inclusion of Russia and Belarus in the list of countries whose citizens can easily obtain the right to reside and work in Hungary.

This was stated by European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson during a meeting of the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs in Brussels.

"Let's start with the fact that the Russian Federation poses a threat to peace and democracy. There are member states that face the Russian threat daily. There have been cases of sabotage and espionage related to Russia. We approached the Hungarian authorities for explanations but received no response," she noted.

The official also cited examples of uncovering Russian spies in the EU and stated that her requests to the Hungarian authorities remained unanswered.

"It is unclear why the Hungarian government considers such a scheme necessary and appropriate, especially in the current political situation. It is also unknown how the security risks associated with Russian and Belarusian citizens are taken into account when reviewing their applications for national cards," Johansson explained.

The European Commissioner sent a second letter to the Hungarian minister, once again highlighting the key issues regarding the simplified procedure for obtaining national cards for citizens of Russia and Belarus.

In July, Hungary simplified the rules for issuing national cards to citizens of Russia and Belarus. This decision was criticized by some European politicians.