A group of 67 MEPs have expressed serious concern over Hungary’s recent decision to ease visa requirements for Russian and Belarusian nationals. This decision caused such a sharp reaction that MEPs even questioned the expediency of Hungary’s further stay in the Schengen area, reports Komersant ukrainskyi
reports citing Evropeiska Pravda.
The appeal was initiated by Lithuanian MP Petras Austrevicius and Czech MP Danuše Nerudová. In a letter to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, they express deep concern about the actions of the Hungarian government.
The MEPs criticise Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for his policies, which, in their view, are increasingly testing the EU’s patience. They recall the blocking of sanctions against Russia, obstruction of aid to Ukraine and Orban’s unauthorised visit to Moscow.
The letter pays special attention to the expansion of Hungary’s “national card” immigration programme, which now allows citizens of Belarus and Russia to work in Hungary without additional security checks and bring their families. MEPs consider this decision irresponsible and a threat to the security of all EU member states.
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They fear that the holders of such visas will be able to move freely within the Schengen area, which could strengthen Russia’s spy network in the EU. MEPs emphasise the need to protect European citizens from potential threats.
In this regard, MEPs call on the European Commission to conduct an urgent investigation into Hungary’s decision. If the Hungarian government refuses to change its policy, they propose to consider excluding Hungary from the Schengen area or introducing additional control measures at the Hungarian borders.
In addition, the authors of the letter remind that other Schengen countries have the right not to recognise visas issued by Hungary to Russian and Belarusian citizens. They emphasise that the security of EU citizens should be a priority for all European institutions and expect the European Commission to take active steps to address this issue.
Hungary vs Ukraine
Today’s Hungary is a long-term supporter of Russia and an enemy of Ukraine. Among other things, Hungary is delaying the adoption of legislation that would allow Ukraine to receive up to €2 billion from the EU for weapons at the expense of profits from frozen Russian assets.
After a lengthy debate, EU member states agreed in May to use the proceeds of about €190 billion of frozen Russian assets held in the Belgian depository Euroclear to buy weapons for Ukraine. However, Hungary opposed this, refusing to provide unanimous EU support for each payment to Ukraine. At the same time, Hungary does not seem to object in general, but has concerns about the automation of payments.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Hungary took over the EU presidency for six months on 1 July, which will give it more influence and make it even harder for EU officials to convince it.
On 1 August, Hungary opened its borders to Russians and Belarusians.
Meanwhile, the EU is looking for a new strategy: how to help Ukraine without Hungary’s consent.