Brussels demands information on Hungary's new visa rules for Russians

The European Commission and Hungary are still at odds over new Hungarian visa rules for foreign workers from Russia and Belarus, with Brussels reiterating espionage concerns.

"To take new initiatives to welcome into the European Union citizens of two hostile states, Belarus and Russia, raises serious questions," EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson told EU lawmakers in Brussels.

The commissioner referred to several recent incidents of alleged Russian sabotage in Europe.

The new rules are "a potential threat to our security," the commissioner said.

The commissioner said Budapest has so far failed to address key concerns about the absence of more thorough background checks for Russian and Bularusian visa applicants compared to other nationals as well as the economic necessity of the scheme.

Johansson said she has asked for further clarifications from Hungary.

Hungary has had special entry regulations for guest workers for some time, but they previously only applied to Ukrainians and Serbs.

They were extended to Russians and Belarusians in July, sparking concerns about espionage in Brussels and among EU member states.

Johansson previously said Hungary must ensure that Russians with espionage backgrounds are prevented from travelling to the EU through appropriate checks.

Speaking earlier on Wednesday in Brussels, Hungarian Minister for European Affairs Janos Boka dismissed concerns, talking of "political hysteria."

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has maintained good relations with Moscow since the beginning of Russia's war against Ukraine two and a half years ago.

Orbán travelled to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in July.