European Commission backs off from sanctions As Hungary misses visa policy deadline

The European Commission has decided not to impose penalties on Hungary despite not receiving a response by the deadline regarding the simplified visa procedures for Russian and Belarusian citizens.

The Commission is awaiting the necessary information before considering any actions against Budapest, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

At a Brussels briefing, European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper confirmed that the deadline for Hungary to provide an explanation on its visa policy lapsed on August 19, but no response was received. Hipper noted that August 20 is a national holiday in Hungary, which may have contributed to the delay.

The European Commission has indicated that it will not take any punitive measures against Hungary until it receives the requested information.