The Hungarian foreign minister accused European governments of spreading lies about Budapest’s easing of entry requirements for Russian and Belarusian nationals. The EU’s home affairs chief, Ylva Johansson, asked Hungary to explain recent changes to the National Card immigration scheme, which now allows easier entry for Russians and Belarusians for work. Concerns have been raised about potential security risks, as the scheme could allow Russian spies and saboteurs easy access to the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries with border-free travel. The Commission is prepared to assess the scheme and its impact on Hungary’s obligations under EU law following a response from the Hungarian government. Eight Nordic and Baltic countries have expressed deep concern over the scheme, with fears that it may jeopardize national security.
Hungary’s foreign minister, Péter Szijjártó, responded to the concerns, accusing his Baltic and Nordic counterparts of spreading lies about the security risks posed by including Russian and Belarusian citizens in the National Card program. The EU had suspended its visa facilitation agreement with Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine, making it more difficult for Russian and Belarusian citizens to enter the bloc. Hungary’s scheme could potentially undermine these measures and provide a backdoor for Russians and Belarusians to enter the Schengen Area without proper vetting. While each EU country has the freedom to design its own visa policy, the Commission could intervene if it found violations of common minimum rules imposed by Brussels.
The tensions between Brussels and Budapest have escalated as a result of the fallout over the entry scheme. Relations between the two have reached a historic low, particularly after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, which was seen as a provocation by EU leaders. Orbán’s actions have derailed critical EU decisions on supporting Ukraine and have blocked the release of aid under the European Peace Facility. The Hungarian government’s decision to ease entry requirements for Russians and Belarusians has further strained relations with the EU, with concerns about the implications for national security and the integrity of the Schengen Area.
The European Commission is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to take action if necessary to ensure compliance with EU laws and regulations. The concerns raised by Nordic and Baltic countries highlight the potential security risks associated with Hungary’s National Card immigration scheme. The fallout from this issue reflects broader tensions between Brussels and Budapest, with disagreements over foreign policy decisions and concerns about Hungary’s ties with Russia. As the deadline for Hungary to explain its entry scheme approaches, the EU will need to carefully consider the implications for security and cooperation within the bloc.
In conclusion, the concerns raised by the EU and other member states about Hungary’s easing of entry requirements for Russian and Belarusian nationals reflect broader tensions over foreign policy decisions and national security. The response from Hungary’s foreign minister, accusing other European governments of spreading lies, highlights the rift between Budapest and Brussels. The EU is prepared to assess the scheme and its potential impact on EU laws, with concerns about potential security risks and the integrity of the Schengen Area. The fallout over this issue underscores the challenges in maintaining cooperation and solidarity within the EU, as member states navigate differing priorities and interests in the realm of immigration and security policies.
