Eight EU countries concern about entry softening of Russian and Belarusian citizens into Hungary
Photo: Hungarian flag (Getty Images)
Eight EU countries have approached EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson, expressing concern over Hungary's decision to ease the visa regime for Russian and Belarusian citizens, according to Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.
The document was signed by the foreign ministers, interior ministers, and justice ministers of Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, Lithuania, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark.
They called Hungary's decision unjustified and reminded that Russia continues its war against Ukraine and consistently violates international law.
"In addition, Russia has intensified its aggressive hybrid actions against the EU and Schengen countries. These include sabotage, acts of violence, provocations at borders, and instrumentalization of migrants," the letter by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated.
The officials also mentioned that during the recent NATO summit, the countries agreed that such decisions to ease entry for Russian and Belarusian citizens into European states pose a security threat.
They welcomed the fact that the European Commission has already been interested in this issue.
"Hungary's reply, your analysis, and the next steps will be of the utmost importance in ensuring our national security," the representatives of the countries said.
Photo: letter from representatives of Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, Lithuania, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Denmark to European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ilva Johansson (x.com Tsahkna).
Background
After Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán visited Moscow, Hungary decided to ease entry conditions for Russian and Belarusian citizens. They are now included in Hungary's "national card" program, which is issued for two years and can be renewed for those wishing to work in Hungary.
The head of the largest party in the European Parliament, the European People's Party, Manfred Weber, reacted to Budapest's decision by calling for urgent measures against Hungary for issuing visas to Russians. The European Parliament also expressed concern about this decision.
Politico reported that Hungary could be excluded from the Schengen Zone due to easing entry for Russian and Belarusian citizens.
