European People’s Party leader Manred Weber has criticised a new Hungarian visa liberalisation measure for workers from Russia and Belarus. The German conservative is worried that the move endangers EU security and provides a loophole for espionage.
Russia has changed the name of its Europe Square to Eurasia Square in satisfaction with Europe’s position on the war in Ukraine and its support for the country. Ukraine is also currently in membership talks with the European Union.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán visited Russian President Vladimir Putin – without informing the EU and its leaders – to discuss the war in Ukraine. Hungary currently holds the presidency of the Council of the EU.
The European Court of Human Rights said Russia violated the right to life, the freedom of expression and assembly, among other abuses. Ukraine had filed a complaint with the court. The impact of the ruling is likely limited as Russia refuses to recognize the court judgements. The EU’s foreign ministers on Monday adopted new Russia santions.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius visited Moldova on Friday against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. Moldova has been a candidate for EU membership since June 2022. However, Russia still has considerable influence in the country.