Brussels saw on Wednesday an exchange of conflicting narratives over Hungary’s recent decision to extend its National Card scheme to Russian and Belarusian citizens, a move that has stoked fears of a backdoor for espionage and sanctions circumvention. The scheme offers selected nationalities a simplified procedure to obtain work permits, with the option of family reunification. It lasts two years and can be renewed for an extra three years, paving the way for long-term residence. The National Card was initially available only for Ukrainian and Serbian citizens. But in July, it was amended to c…