Tensions are increasing between Hungary and Slovakia on the one hand, and the other EU countries and the European Commission on the other, due to their differing positions on allowing Russian tourists into the Schengen area.
The disagreement is further exacerbated by both countries' Putin-friendly attitudes and a controversy over halted oil deliveries.
Hungary and Slovakia are under fire for keeping their borders open to Russian tourists, unlike other EU countries. This decision is problematic because many EU countries have decided to ban Russian tourists as part of broader sanctions against Russia over 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 decided to relax visa rules for Russians. This makes it easier for Russians to travel to Hungary and then move freely through the Schengen area.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has issued a decree facilitating access for Russians. This has led to fierce criticism from the European Commission and several EU parliamentarians, who fear it increases the risks of espionage and other security threats.
The EU has put pressure on Hungary to reverse these measures, but so far without success. Hungary's stance is seen as a further escalation of the already strained relations between the country and the EU institutions.
In addition to the visa issue, there is also disagreement about deliveries of Russian oil via a Croatian pipeline. According to Hungary, the transport costs requested by Croatia are too high and the reliability of Croatia as a transit country is questionable. Furthermore, the EU has called for a halt to imports of Russian oil as part of the sanctions against Russia, something Hungary also opposes.
Slovakia is following a similar course to Hungary and has also argued that economic and energy security interests outweigh the EU sanctions against Russia. Both countries have repeatedly indicated that their own national interests come first and have criticized what they see as the EU's excessive interference in their domestic affairs.
These positions have led to a growing rift within the EU, with Hungary and Slovakia increasingly isolating themselves from the other member states. The situation is further complicated by the support both countries continue to show for Russian President Vladimir Putin, leading to questions about their commitment to shared European values and goals.
Several EU parliamentarians and senior officials are calling for action against Hungary and Slovakia. They propose to impose stricter controls and sanctions to ensure compliance with common EU rules and standards.