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The European Commission on Sunday asked Hungary to explain its decision to issue expedited “national cards” allowing Russians to enter the Schengen area.
According to the Prime Minister Petri Orpo (NCP), what Hungary does during its EU presidency must be taken seriously.
Orpo told Yle on Sunday that it was “extremely important” for the European Commission to review Hungary’s visa exemption policy for Russian citizens, which it has offered since the beginning of July, and to take steps on that and other issues.
“Hungary’s behavior during its presidency must also be critically evaluated. It cannot constantly violate common EU policies. The relationship must be close,” Orpó said.
Orpo noted that Finland is cooperating with other EU countries on the issue.
The prime minister made his comments on Hungary’s place in the European Union in Paris, where he had been watching the Finnish Olympic team since Thursday. He was due to return to Finland on Thursday. Late Sunday.
The European Commission has asked Budapest to explain its decision to grant fast-track visas to citizens of countries including Russia and Belarus. Ylva Johnson The letter sent to Hungary was posted on social media on Sunday.
“Russia is a security threat. We need to step up our vigilance, not let it down. Giving potential Russian spies and saboteurs easy access to the EU would undermine the security of us all. Today, in a letter, I asked the Hungarian government for an explanation. If their easy access plans present risks, we will take action,” the Swedish commissioner wrote on X.
In the past month, Hungary has issued fast-track “national cards” to citizens of Russia and Belarus. Cardholders can travel to any of the 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days without applying for a Schengen visa, but Schengen countries can deny them entry.
‘We can’t ignore’ Hungary’s actions
In an interview with Yle earlier this weekend, Some Finnish MPs Calls were made to strip Hungary of its voting rights in the European Council, suspend its presidency and reassess its status in the 26-nation Schengen zone, which has virtually no border checks and is the basis of the EU’s internal market.
Orbó declined to comment directly on the MEPs’ proposal, but noted that Hungary had proposed similar measures earlier this year when it tried to block EU support for Ukraine.
“Hungary’s behavior was difficult at the time, but it has improved since. I remember telling colleagues that I thought the problem had not gone away, and unfortunately it has. We need to evaluate different ways of intervening in Hungary’s behavior. We cannot just turn a blind eye to this,” the prime minister said.
Pressure on Hungary’s authoritarian prime minister Viktor Orban Such tensions have intensified since Hungary took over the rotating presidency of the European Union in early July.
At the beginning of his presidency, Orban made unauthorized visits to Russia and China. Elena Valtonen The National Congress Party (NCP) said Hungary’s actions raised questions about the country’s suitability for EU membership.
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