Hungary slams EU criticism of visa policy for Russians and Belarusians

Budapest has reacted strongly to EU accusations regarding Hungary’s visa-easing scheme for Russian and Belarusian citizens, calling the scrutiny excessive and unjustified.

The criticisms, according to Hungarian officials, resemble a plot from a Hollywood film and may stem from a longstanding prejudice against Hungary, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Zoltan Kovacs, State Secretary for International Communications and Relations in the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office, expressed his discontent with the EU's approach.

He stated, “The accusations that Hungary has harboured Russian spies resemble the plots of several Hollywood films.”

Kovacs pointed out that the requirements for obtaining the national cards, which Russians can now apply for, are stringent and have not previously raised concerns with the European Commission.

He further noted that, according to Eurostat data, there are only about 6,000 Russians registered in Hungary, compared to 260,000 in Germany. Kovacs argued that this discrepancy highlights the disproportionate nature of the EU's focus on Hungary.

“From our point of view, this is just another case of chronic Hungrophobia,” he added.