The European Commission is concerned about the number of Russians in Hungary and Serbia 0 7

The European Commission is concerned that Hungary and Serbia continue to issue residence permits to Russians through a simplified procedure, Radio Free Europe reports.

"The European Commission is concerned that, according to the latest information, Hungary is still issuing national cards to Russian citizens in accordance with its national rules," said European Commission representative Markus Lammert during a briefing in Brussels.

The publication notes that in the summer of 2022, Hungary simplified the issuance of work and residence visas for citizens of several countries, including Russia and Belarus.

Lammert stated that the European Commission continues to monitor the situation regarding Hungary. He also reminded that Russian aggression against Ukraine continues to pose a threat to the security of the European Union.

It is indicated that the European Commission urged the Serbian government to more thoroughly check the security issues of applications from Russians for their citizenship. Notably, although Serbia is not a member of the European Union, it enjoys visa-free access to the Schengen area.

"Granting Russian citizens the right to enter the EU without a visa by granting them Serbian citizenship creates potential security risks for the EU," the European Commission's report on Serbia's progress towards the EU states.

Data is provided that since 2022 until March 2025, the Serbian authorities have granted citizenship to more than 200 Russian citizens under special procedures allegedly "for services to the country," among whom are Russian politicians and employees of enterprises that produce nuclear weapons and similar items.

Assistance to Ukraine from Hungary and Serbia

Earlier, UNIAN reported that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that Ukraine does not protect Hungary from anyone or anything. According to Orban, his country did not ask for this and will never do so. He added that Hungary's security is guaranteed by their national defense capabilities and NATO. Orban emphasized that Hungary has provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine amounting to about 200 million euros, as well as supplying gas and electricity.

We also reported that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic denied the assumption that his country's ties with Russia could threaten anyone in Europe. According to Vucic, his country is a major producer of ammunition and is ready to supply it to Europe. At the same time, the President of Serbia hinted that he would not be against European countries buying ammunition from them and then transferring weapons to Ukraine.