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Hungary's National Card scheme simplifies visa procedures and security screenings for "guest workers" coming from Russia and Belarus.

The European Commission has asked Hungary to explain its recent decision to ease visa requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens, which Brussels worries "could lead to a de facto circumvention" of the bloc's restrictions and undermine safety standards across the passport-free Schengen Area.

"Russia is a security threat. We need more, not less vigilance. Giving potential Russian spies and saboteurs easy EU access would undermine the security of us all," said Ylva Johansson, the Europen Commissioner for Home Affairs.

"If their easy access scheme is a risk, we will act."

In a letter addressed to Hungary's Ministry of Interior, dated 1 August, Johansson questions the fresh changes to the country's National Card scheme, which simplifies visa procedures and security background checks for "guest workers" in specific sectors.

The permit lasts for two years and can be renewed for an additional three, paving the way for qualifying for permanent residency.

Euronews spoke with an expert who says 500 Russian intelligence agents or spies have been kicked out of the EU since the war in Ukraine began in 2022.

"Russia has far less 'traditional' spies in Europe now than it had before the large-scale war. So Russia is forced to rely more and more on other forms of espionage. So these tasks would be not carried out by spies disguised as diplomats, but rather in other forms of "covering", as guest workers, for example," said András Rácz.

In early July, coinciding with the start of Hungary's presidency of the EU Council and Viktor Orbán's contentious trip to Moscow, the country extended the National Card to citizens from Russia and Belarus. It was previously opened to applicants from Ukraine, Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro and Serbia.

Budapest says many of these workers will be employed in the construction of a nuclear plant using Russian technology, which Orbán has insisted be spared from sanctions.

The update initially went unnoticed until Manfred Weber, the chair of the centre-right European People's Party (EPP), sent a letter in late July to European Council President Charles Michel, demanding a discussion at the leaders' level.

The "questionable" new rules "create grave loopholes for espionage activities" and could enable "large numbers of Russians to enter Hungary with minimal supervision, posing a serious risk to national security," Weber said in his letter, first reported by the FT.

Orbán's spokesperson described Weber's words as "absurd and hypocritical" and said Hungary's migration system was the "strictest" in the bloc.

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News Voiced and Reported by: Soha.M

Sources: MSNBC | CBS News | USA Today | AP News | Euro News

Genre: Current Affairs | Geo-Politics | Visa | Plane | Minister