Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Eight Schengen nations have sent a joint letter to the European Commission voicing their concerns related to Hungary’s decision to reduce entry rules for Russians and Belarussians.
Why Are Schengen Nations Concerned About Hungary’s Visa Policy?
According to the letter, Budapest’s recent modifications to include Russia and Belarus in the National Card scheme may constitute a severe security threat. Hungary’s decision to reduce entry rules for Russian and Belarussian citizens “may constitute a serious security risk”, the leaders of Nordic and Baltic states conveyed to the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson.
Guided by Estonia’s Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, eight Schengen Zone countries addressed a joint letter to the European Commission communicating their worries related to Budapest’s inclusion of Russia and Belarus to Hungary’s National Card.
How Does Hungary’s Decision Impact Schengen Area Security?
Nordic and Baltic States’ letter addressed to the European Commissioner for Home Affairs: “Together with my Nordic and Baltic colleagues, I sent a letter to the Commissioner of the European Commission, Ylva Johansson, to express our concern about Hungary’s decision to facilitate the entry of Russian and Belarusian citizens. This is not justified while Russia continues its war in Ukraine and steps up hybrid actions against the EU.”
Nordic and Baltic countries extended concerns that such a effort could pose security concerns in the Schengen Area.
What Are the Security Risks of Hungary’s Eased Entry Rules?
Moreover, the Nordic and Baltic States’ letter read: You are welcome to deal with the matter. Hungary’s response, your analysis and the next steps are extremely important in ensuring our national security. To assess the security risk, we would be grateful for any additional information that the Commission would share after receiving the requested information from the Hungarian authorities.”
Earlier this month, the Member of the Finnish Parliament and the head of the Social Democratic Parliamentary Group, Tytti Tuppurainen, stated that Hungary must be excluded from the Schengen Zone, following Budapest’s finding to extend its National Card to Russian and Belarussian nationals.
Besides, a total of 67 members of the European Parliament addressed a note to the European Union Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, calling for more stringent measures against Budapest, if the latter’s authorities do not alter their visa policy.
MEPs thought Hungary’s decision irresponsible, adding that such a measure poses a significant threat to the EU’s safety. However, the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, recently cautioned that the exclusion of Hungary from the Schengen Area would be the start of Hungary’s exit from the European Union too.
