Budapest sets up infiltration channel for Russian intelligence

Hungary may be opening a back door for Russian intelligence and reconnaissance groups into the European Union. This suspicion stems from Budapest’s decision to include Russians and Belarusians in the “national card” program, which grants work permits in Hungary for two years with the possibility of extension. About 65,000 people and their families are expected to enter Hungary under this program by spring 2025. This move will give them access to the EU without strict controls. Budapest’s decision followed the visit of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Moscow. We are convinced that Hungary’s new visa policy allows Russia to move freely across the EU, which could facilitate espionage and diversionary activities by Russian intelligence services.

This development comes amid an unprecedented increase in Russian diversionary activities in Europe. On July 29, saboteurs set fire to railway cable shafts near Bremen, Germany. In April 2024, we warned of the risks of Russian military intelligence operations targeting German railway infrastructure. Active Russian military intelligence operations have also been reported in France.

We believe that the Kremlin successfully influenced Hungarian political leaders to minimize the consequences of the expulsion of Russian agents and intelligence officers operating under diplomatic cover in Europe. Earlier, We have highlighted the significant security risks that Budapest poses to both the EU and NATO. The increasing security risks to EU Member States require immediate and decisive action by the European Commission and the European Parliament with regard to Hungary.. The Hungarian border could become an uncontrolled channel for terrorists, saboteurs and spies from Russia and Belarus to enter the EUMoreover, there is a possibility that the authorities of these countries will use this channel to smuggle illegal migrants, as has already happened at the borders with Poland and Finland.