European Parliament to Consider Suspending Hungary from the Schengen Area over Eased Entry for Russians and Belarusians

The European Parliament yesterday discussed the issue of granting Hungarian national cards to Russians and Belarusians and suspending Hungary's membership in the Schengen area because of this, 

Stella Kyriakides, a representative of the European Commission, reminded that Hungary had simplified entry for Russian and Belarusian citizens despite the hostility of these countries to the EU and the intensification of Russian sabotage in Europe, and this decision raises questions. She added that the European Commission had twice asked the Hungarian authorities about these Hungarian measures.

Csaba Molnár, an MEP from the Hungarian opposition party Democratic Coalition, also claimed that his government had opened the door to spies, sleeper agents and war criminals.

The Liberals' keynote speaker, Fabienne Keller, called on the EU Council and member states to “consider suspending Hungary's membership in the Schengen area”, while the Eurosceptic representative of the European Conservatives and Reformists Maciej Wonsik insisted that there should be no easing of sanctions against Russia. This includes visa sanctions, as ‘Putin's Russia must be isolated’.

Although a member of the Hungarian government was present, he did not speak on behalf of the Hungarian government: EU Affairs Minister János Boca stressed that he was speaking on behalf of the country's presidency of the Council of Ministers, Telex reported. As for the position of member state bodies, he said there was none and that the issue had not been discussed.

He acknowledged that EU countries have to abide by common rules, but that granting procedural relief or other benefits to citizens of certain third countries does not mean that EU rules are being violated or circumvented. They will continue to carry out all the checks required by Schengen rules without internal border controls. In his closing remarks, he stressed that the Hungarian government was ready to answer any questions, but had not received an invitation from the EP on behalf of the Council Presidency.

As a reminder, in July, Hungary announced that it would expedite visa processing for citizens of eight countries, including Russia and Belarus, who will be able to enter Hungary without security checks or other restrictions. Budapest said that many of them will be building a nuclear power plant using Russian technology. Hungary's decision caused resonance and criticism from many EU states, while Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto assured that it does not pose a risk to the Schengen area.