The disagreement is further fueled by the pro-Putin stance of both countries and a controversy over halted oil deliveries.
Hungary and Slovakia are under fire because, unlike other EU countries, they are keeping their borders open to Russian tourists. This decision is problematic, as many EU countries have decided to bar Russian tourists as part of broader sanctions against Russia due to the war in Ukraine.
The European Commission and other EU member states are concerned about the security and unity of the Schengen area, now that Hungary has chosen to relax visa rules for Russians. This allows Russians easier access to Hungary and subsequently free movement throughout the Schengen zone.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán issued a decree facilitating access for Russians. This has led to sharp criticism from the European Commission and various EU parliamentarians, who fear this increases risks of espionage and other security threats.
The EU has pressured Hungary to reverse these measures, but so far without success. Hungary's stance is seen as a further escalation of already strained relations between the country and EU institutions.
In addition to the visa issue, there is also disagreement over supplies of Russian oil via a Croatian pipeline. According to Hungary, the transport fees requested by Croatia are too high, and Croatia’s reliability as a transit country is questionable. Moreover, the EU has called for stopping imports of Russian oil as part of sanctions against Russia, which Hungary also opposes.
Slovakia follows a similar course as Hungary and has likewise argued that economic and energy security interests outweigh the EU sanctions against Russia. Both countries have repeatedly stated that their national interests come first and have criticized what they see as excessive EU interference in their domestic affairs.
These positions have created a growing divide within the EU, with Hungary and Slovakia increasingly isolating themselves from other member states. The situation is further complicated by the support both countries continue to show for Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising questions about their commitment to shared European values and goals.
Several EU parliamentarians and senior officials are calling for measures against Hungary and Slovakia. They propose stricter controls and sanctions to ensure compliance with common EU rules and standards.