Hungary Plans to Abolish Land Schengen Borders for Bulgaria and Romania During Its EU Presidency

Hungary confirmed on Tuesday that the abolition of the Schengen land borders for Bulgaria and Romania will be among its priorities during its presidency of the EU Council, which begins on 1 July and runs until the end of the year. 

Resolving this issue is a priority for the Hungarian presidency, Hungarian Ambassador to the EU Balint Odor told reporters in Brussels.

He added that Budapest's main tasks also include reducing the number of migrants arriving illegally.

Other priorities of his country's presidency include improving European defence capabilities and continuing the EU's expansion to the Western Balkans and other candidates from the eastern part of Europe.

Hungary wants to make as much progress as possible with the Western Balkan countries, start substantive talks with Albania, and move forward with North Macedonia. 

To speed up the process, Budapest is ready to host an EU-Western Balkans meeting, the ambassador said.

He added that his country will do everything possible for a smooth transition, taking into account the geopolitical context, will be an honest mediator, will continue to work for Ukraine and the Middle East and will take the necessary steps, the ambassador said.   

Hungary has adopted Trump's slogan for its upcoming EU presidency - Make Europe Great Again. However, it promises to be an honest mediator and to promote concrete steps towards enlargement.