Lithuania urges EU to respond to Hungary's decision to ease entry for Russians
Photo: Gabrielius Landsbergis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania (Getty Images)
Lithuania has filed a complaint with the European Commission against Hungary's decision to simplify the procedure for Russians and Belarusians to enter the country. Such a move could threaten the security of the entire European Union, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis.
According to him, Lithuania was "unpleasantly surprised" by media reports that Hungary had eased entry for Belarusians and Russians, allowing them to freely enter and move within the Schengen zone.
Landsbergis stated that in Lithuania's view, this move by Hungary poses a serious security threat to the Schengen zone and many European countries, and therefore requires an EU-level response.
He mentioned that Lithuania had asked the European Commission to analyze Hungary's decision “in terms of the unity of the Schengen zone and the prevention of threats to it.”
The Minister reminded that many EU countries are currently facing Russian sabotage.
"While many European countries are looking for effective ways to protect themselves from these attacks, Hungary is not only hindering these efforts but also, through its actions, facilitating or at least easing hostile actions against the security of European countries," he added.
Background
It was previously reported in the media that Hungary had included Russians and Belarusians in its so-called "national card" program.
As a result, those Russians and Belarusians who receive this card will not undergo special checks when entering the country.
