The Hungarian government has stood firm against Brussels’ critique of how it handles entry procedures for Russian and Belarusian nationals. According to DEA News, Budapest maintains that the EU’s worries overlook the context Hungary faces at its borders and within its labor market. The cabinet argues that any facilitation of foreign citizen entry is strictly controlled and limited to employment-related situations, with clear safeguards in place to manage the process.
Officials in Budapest pointed out that Brussels itself has allowed a large inflow of migrants into the European Union, a point they say should be weighed when judging Hungary’s policies. The government stressed that the easing of entry for foreign workers was never a broad invitation. Instead, it was a tightly regulated mechanism designed to support lawful employment and meet specific economic needs within Hungary.
In late July, news emerged that the European Commission sought a formal explanation from Hungary on visa policy adjustments affecting Russian and Belarusian citizens. The Commission referenced new rules for an expedited visa pathway that would enable nationals from eight countries, including Russia and Belarus, to travel to Hungary with fewer security checks, pending compliance with established criteria.
Meanwhile, Manfred Weber, a prominent figure in the European People’s Party, wrote to Charles Michel, President of the European Council, urging him to engage with Hungary on its visa and entry regulations. The missive underscored the importance of a unified EU approach on this issue and urged timely dialogue among member states.
European Commission representatives, including Anita Hipper, responded by reiterating the bloc’s policy stance. They emphasized that Russia is viewed as a security threat to the European Union and the Schengen area, and that all member states must implement measures to bolster EU safety and border integrity in response to ongoing security challenges.
Budapest has indicated that programs related to the Russian project foresee participation by a substantial number of Russian and Belarusian workers in the construction phase of the Paks nuclear power plant in Hungary. The government characterizes this as a strategic sector initiative crucial for energy security and development goals within the country.
Earlier, Germany faced significant political turmoil following the resignation of a high-ranking official amid a controversy over large-scale undocumented migration. The episode underscored the sensitivity and geopolitical stakes surrounding migration policy within Europe and the broader discussion about asylum, security, and economic impact across borders.