EU: Hungary risks letting in Putin's spies

Hungary risks letting in "potential Russian spies and saboteurs" into the EU, warns Commissioner Ylva Johansson. She is now demanding an explanation from the Orbán government about new visa facilitations.

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EU: Hungary risks letting in Putin's spies
Photo: Virginia Mayo/AP/TT

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"Russia is a security threat", writes Johansson on X. "We need more, not less, vigilance".

The statement comes after Hungary recently expanded a program that grants foreigners work visas for up to two years. The program includes both Russians and Belarusians, and according to media, no security clearance is made for approved individuals.

"Giving potential Russian spies and saboteurs easy access to the EU would undermine the security for all of us", writes Johansson. "If this is a risk, we will act", she continues, and demands an explanation from Hungary by August 19 at the latest.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has strongly irritated the rest of the EU with his continued close ties to Vladimir Putin's Russian regime. This summer, Orbán has been in Moscow and met with Putin.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

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