Hungary Faces EU Criticism Over Visa Rules

Tensions between the EU and Hungary have escalated over Hungary's decision to ease visa restrictions for Russian and Belarusian citizens through its 'National Card' program, raising security concerns among other EU states. The European Commission set a deadline for Hungary to clarify these changes, which expired without a response, prompting criticism from Nordic and Baltic countries who argue this could undermine the integrity of the Schengen Area. Hungary's Foreign Minister dismissed these concerns as unfounded, claiming that all entrants will still undergo thorough checks. The matter is expected to be a focal point at the upcoming EU foreign ministers' meeting, which has been relocated from Hungary due to the ongoing tensions. Hungary's stance has been consistently pro-Russian, conflicting with the broader EU position, particularly regarding military support for Ukraine. These disputes have contributed to existing concerns over Hungary's adherence to democratic principles, affecting EU funding allocations.