Diplomacy

Hungary eases entry conditions for Russians and Belarusians

Hungary eases entry conditions for Russians and Belarusians
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According to Deutsche Welle on X (formerly Twitter), following Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's visit to Moscow, Budapest included Russians and Belarusians in its "national card" programme. This card is issued for those wishing to work in Hungary for two years, with the possibility of extension.

German publication RND notes that at the European level, there is no special check for holders of the "national card," raising concerns among Hungary's neighbors. The report also reminds that in the spring, the Hungarian government announced it expected around 65,000 migrant workers with their families.

An MEP emphasized in an interview with RND that allowing entry to an EU country without checks, especially when the Russian government is making efforts to weaken Europe through hybrid attacks, is the wrong approach. However, the MEP also noted that it is not fair to stigmatize all Russian citizens.

Recently, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggested that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán should exit the EU and NATO to form an alliance with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. This response came after Orbán criticized the "flawed" policies of the EU and NATO, as well as Poland's "hypocrisy."

Polish Foreign Ministry representative Teofil Bartoszewski added that, unlike Hungary, Poland has not conducted business with Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, as it was an attack "on Poland, the United States, the European Union, and NATO."

According to Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, Hungary's position irritates other EU members, making the country appear increasingly isolated within the European Union.

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