Hungary visa move stokes EU fears of Russian espionage, letter shows

31/7/2024 6:26

        The European People's Party (EPP) has raised security concerns over a decision by Hungary to ease visa restrictions for Russian and Belarusian citizens, fearing it could fuel espionage in the EU, according to a letter seen by Reuters on Tuesday.
        
        Manfred Weber, chair of the centre-right EPP, has written to European Council head Charles Michel to say the new Hungarian rules could "create grave loopholes for espionage activities... posing a serious risk to national security".
        
        "This policy could also make it easier for Russians to move around the (borderless) Schengen area, bypassing the restrictions required by EU law," Weber said in his letter.
        
        The letter was first reported by the Financial Times.
        
        Michel's office had no comment on the letter, which highlights tensions between EU institutions and Hungary, current holder of the bloc's rotating presidency, as it seeks to maintain cordial ties with Russia despite the Ukraine war.