Hungary Rejects EU 'Hysteria' Over Work Visas For Russians

Hungary and its leader Viktor Orban are facing criticism from the EU over a new work visa and residency permit policy that allows easier access for Russian and Belarusian nationals. The policy has raised security concerns among EU officials, who argue it could create "grave loopholes for espionage activities" and make it easier for Russians to move around the EU's borderless Schengen area. Hungary has rejected the criticism, calling it "political hysteria" and stating that there is no legal or security issue with the national card system. The controversy is the latest example of Orban being viewed as a 'pariah' within the EU, but he has vowed to put Hungary and its interests first. The policy change has been in effect since July and has sparked demands for a formal explanation and discussion from Budapest. Critics of the policy change have said it is tantamount to handing out "easy visas" for Russians and Belarussians. The West has long denounced Orban's personal closeness with Russia's Putin and generally cooperative policies, and refusal to curtail Russian gas imports. Hungary's minister for European Union affairs, Janos Boka, explained that the national card system has been in place for years and has been extended to eight more countries, including Russia and Belarus. Boka stated that Hungary is not violating any EU rules and that the country is committed to maintaining the security of the Schengen area.