BRUSSELS -- The European Union’s top migration official expressed concern on Wednesday about a Hungarian work visa program open to citizens from Russia and Belarus, just as sabotage attacks and spying allegations raise alarm across Europe.

Hungary extended its National Card program to citizens from Russia and Belarus when it took over the EU’s rotating presidency in July. This happened as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán traveled to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a trip condemned by his EU counterparts.

The card also makes it easier for citizens from Bosnia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine to enter Europe’s ID-check free zone for work purposes. All six countries are candidates to join the EU. Russia and Belarus are not.

“It seems unusual to specifically welcome citizens from Russia and Belarus, considering their known hostility towards the European Union,” European Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson remarked to EU lawmakers.

The Hungarian prime minister, widely viewed as having the most cordial relationship with Putin among EU leaders , has consistently obstructed, delayed or weakened EU efforts to aid Kyiv and impose sanctions on Moscow for its actions in Ukraine.

Belarus is Russia's closest ally and has served as a staging ground for Russian forces.

Johansson cited a series of incidents since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, including sabotage or hacking attacks in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland . She also pointed out possible threats to military bases in Germany.

“This is a time for heightened vigilance, not a time for leniency in security,” she said, adding that safe travel within the passport-free zone connecting 29 countries, mostly EU nations, could be compromised. “We must ensure each other's safety.”

Early last month, Johansson sent a letter to Hungary seeking clarification about its National Card program, specifically whether the program enforces stricter security checks on Russian and Belarusian citizens. She received a response two weeks ago but on Tuesday wanted further information.

Johansson inquired: “Why does the Hungarian government find such a program necessary or appropriate in the current political climate? The anticipated national economic benefits appear limited (and) disproportionate to the potential security risks.”

At a press conference in Brussels, Hungarian EU Affairs Minister Janos Boka downplayed the commission’s concerns. He mentioned that seven countries, including Germany, Latvia, Poland, and Spain, have issued more visas to Russians.

“Over the past two months, 10 visas were granted to Russian citizens and four to Belarusian citizens. This isn't a growing trend, and these numbers are statistically insignificant,” Boka told reporters. Johansson reported that the number of visas issued to Russians has decreased by nearly 90%.

Boka asserted that for Hungary “there are no legal or security concerns whatsoever regarding the National Card.” Hungarian officials expressed dissatisfaction at not being invited to the European Parliament to personally address Johansson's inquiries.

Hungary's parliamentary press office stated that the country had not indicated an intention to participate.