EC to assess Hungary's response to questions about easing visa scheme for Russian citizens - spokesperson

BRUSSELS. Aug 22 (Interfax) - The European Commission (EC) has confirmed that Brussels has received Budapest's response to the EC's letter asking Hungary to explain the simplified visa scheme announced by the country for Russian and Belarusian citizens.

"We have just received the letter. We are now carefully assessing it and check the compliance of this scheme [Hungary's National Card immigration scheme] and its potential impact on Hungary's obligation under the EU law," EC spokesperson Anitta Hipper said at a press briefing in Brussels on

Thursday.

"We've never speculated on the timing," EC chief spokesperson Eric Mamer said, when asked about the time this analysis might take.

European media reported the previous day, citing a letter from Hungarian Interior Minister Sandor Pinter, that the National Card immigration scheme to ease visa restrictions for Russians and Belarusians would include the same security checks as for all third-country nationals entering the European Union.

Budapest expanded the National Card immigration scheme in July to include citizens of a number of other countries, including Russian and Belarusian citizens. The holder of such a card will be allowed to work in Hungary and bring his family to the country. As the Hungarian minister said, the national card will be issued taking into account all security risks.

European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson sent a letter to the Hungarian authorities on August 1, asking about the scope of the simplified visa scheme and requesting relevant details.

The National Cards will also be issued to Ukrainian and Moldovan citizens.