Paks II

The European Union has been alerted to potential security risks following Hungary’s decision to relax visa restrictions for Russian and Belarusian nationals.

This development has sparked concerns among EU officials, notably from Manfred Weber, the leader of the European People’s Party, who has called for an urgent discussion at the upcoming EU summit in October.

According to a report in the Financial Times, citing a letter from Weber to the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, Hungary’s new visa policy could allow unchecked Russian individuals to travel freely across much of the EU.

The country’s recently unveiled fast-track visa system includes provisions for citizens of eight countries, including Russia and Belarus, to enter Hungary without security checks or other restrictions.

Budapest has justified the policy by pointing to the expected influx of workers for the construction of a nuclear power plant using Russian technology. However, Weber has questioned the necessity of such a system, suggesting that it could create “serious loopholes for espionage activities” and potentially allow a significant number of Russians to enter Hungary with minimal oversight. This, he warns, poses a considerable threat to national security.

Weber’s concerns extend beyond Hungary’s borders, cautioning that the policy might enable Russians to bypass EU laws and move more freely within the Schengen Area. The Schengen Zone, comprising 29 countries including non-EU members Norway and Switzerland, generally allows for unrestricted movement among member states once a person is granted entry.

In his letter, Weber urged EU leaders to take “the strongest possible measures to immediately protect the integrity of the Schengen Area, mitigate the security risk that has already arisen, and prevent similar initiatives by other member states in the future.” He stressed the importance of a coordinated EU response to safeguard the region’s security framework.

Under EU regulations, national governments retain the authority to make decisions regarding legal migration and work permits. Individuals from outside the EU holding an EU visa typically enjoy the freedom to travel within the Schengen Zone. However, the implications of Hungary’s unilateral action raise questions about the balance between national sovereignty and collective security within the EU.

This policy shift coincides with Hungary’s ongoing collaboration with Russia on the Paks II nuclear power plant project. Signed last November, the agreement outlines the construction timeline for the €12 billion extension of the Paks nuclear facility. The project, spearheaded by Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation Rosatom, is predominantly funded by Russian financial support.