BREAKING: EU countries consider reinstating border controls with Hungary over security concerns
European leaders are proposing border controls in response to Hungary’s new visa policy concerning Russian and Belarusian citizens. Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party (EPP) group, criticised Hungary for creating “serious loopholes for espionage” by simplifying entry requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens. Several German politicians share his concerns.
German politicians demand EU response
Manfred Weber criticised Hungary for creating “serious loopholes for espionage”. Source: Facebook/Manfred Weber
After Hungary eased visa requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens in July, German politicians called for an EU-wide response, Index reports. Weber, a German MEP, stated that Hungary’s decision must have “consequences,” as it endangers European security. He highlighted to Bild the existing damage caused by Putin’s spies and agents within the EU, emphasising the need to prevent further harm.
Potential reinstatement of border controls
European leaders are proposing border controls in response to Hungary’s new visa policy. Photo: FB/Magyar Rendőrség
Michael Stübgen, Brandenburg’s Interior Minister, suggested to Bild that
EU countries might reinstate border controls with Hungary.
He noted that EU treaties allow for such measures in exceptional circumstances. Countries like Austria, Croatia, Slovakia, and Romania could follow suit, mirroring current border controls with Poland and the Czech Republic.
Heightened espionage risks
Nancy Faeser, Germany’s Federal Interior Minister, did not comment directly, but a spokesperson noted the increased risk of Russian espionage and sabotage since the invasion of Ukraine. They emphasised the importance of EU partners bolstering efforts against these threats and avoiding the creation of potential loopholes.
Background of the controversy
Hungary granted the “Russian spy bank”, the IIB diplomatic immunity and tax exemptions in 2019. Photo: FB
The issue traces back to the International Investment Bank (IIB), dubbed the “spy bank,” which was dissolved last year following US sanctions. Despite its apparent role in supporting Russian intelligence, Hungary granted it diplomatic immunity and tax exemptions in 2019, allowing its staff and guests free entry into the country.
Challenges in screening applicants
Russian expert András Rácz highlighted the difficulty in screening the large number of National Card applications for security risks, noting that the challenge lies not in the intent to target Hungary specifically, but rather in the operational freedom of Russian agents across multiple EU countries.
The Hungarian government’s response
Foreign minister Szijjjártó called the EU’s concerns a “campaign of lies”. Photo: FB/Szijjártó
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó dismissed the concerns as a “campaign of lies” by the Baltic states, insisting that the National Card program does not weaken security checks for Russian and Belarusian citizens. He emphasised that Hungary’s measures do not compromise the security of the Schengen area.
EU Commissioner demands explanation
Ylva Johansson, the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, demanded an explanation from the Hungarian government regarding its visa system, emphasising the need for heightened vigilance against Russian threats. She warned that unilateral measures by Hungary could jeopardise the Schengen area and requested a response by 19 August, threatening appropriate consequences if EU law is breached.
Possible EU actions
While Johansson did not specify potential actions, she indicated that the European Commission could take legal steps against Hungary if it violates EU regulations, underscoring the ongoing tension within the Union over Hungary’s recent visa policy changes.
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10 Comments
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
Well. Not as if any other country has already decided we are a liability. Something to do with our Politicians issuing hundreds of thousands of passports, between 2011 and 2020, without identity verification requirements in place. You would state you are of Hungarian descent and mumble something about Trianon, Hungary would issue you a passport. Vote Fidesz!
https://www.reuters.com/world/us-tightens-conditions-visa-waiver-program-hungary-2023-08-01/
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
According to Fidesz everyone in the EU is lying about Hungary. Only Fidesz tells the truth. Only a fool believes that. Hungary as an EU member poses the greatest security risk to Europe. Every act they do quite obviously is promotes Russia’s interests. Hungary under Fidesz is a Russian satellite once again and is not in any way loyal to Europe.
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
All countries have a right to protect their border. EU countries do not complain, protect your borders.
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
3 hour queues at Hegyeshalom like the good old days will make Orban popular! I predict they’ll remove Russia and Belarus from the national card system if this were to happen.
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
I mean… What do you even say to this…
The E.U. is flooded with literally millions of illegal aliens pouring in, despite those being hostile, fighting-age men who contribute nothing, are a massive drain on the taxpayer, and bring all kinds of criminality including violent. The E.U. studiously outright REFUSES to protect its external borders against this invasion and, indeed, PUNISHES those who try, such as Hungary.
That same E.U. is now deeply concerned about a Russian or Belarusian spy coming in via Hungary and wants to impose strict border controls with… – HUNGARY!
You really can’t make this s… up.
Keep going, E.U. The next step will be to suspend freedom of movement for Hungarian citizens, at which point there will be zero reason to remain in this pathetic, corrupt globalist-socialist monstrosity.
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
Hungary is a lost cause. Every step Fidesz takes the country on is one more further to poverty and Russian enslavement. The population is being turned into serfs working for Fidesz feudal lords like Meszaros. The party even uses the terminology of the feudal age with “Economic Knights” and “Castle Counties”. The best description was in a recent article describing Hungary as somewhere between Orwellian and Kafkaesque. Good luck Hungarians. Enjoy kissing Putin’s ass and make your union with Russia while the rest of us watch you self-destruct from the safety of the West. Enjoy living once again in the East.
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
Well, I’m a Romanian – British citizen living in Hungary since 2008. I always waited in huge queues at the border with Romania but that’s not Hungary fault but EU. I’m not into politics, especially into my adoption country, Hungary. Hope for the best for all , as Hungary is a very beautiful country with great people.
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
Larry and Norbert, why do you care what happens in Hungary? You are waiting for every little bit of news that can be manipulated against Hungary. Who is paying you?
Hungarian people paid dearly protecting the EU and Hungary from uneducated, illegal, many criminal illegal aliens. It is time that EU nations spend some of their money on border protection.
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
But Marta, Hungary didn’t protect the EU at all, instead it transported these people to the Austrian border and told them to continue their journey. Hungary doesn’t want to register these people in case they might stay in the country. Hungary is happy to act as a conduit but not as a first line of defence. Anyone that manages to circumvent the border will be squirreled out of the country further west and become’s someone else’s problem. As for the border fence, that’s just basic and part of any country’s responsibility at the edge of the EU.
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
Hungary stopped shipping illegals to Austrian border a long time ago. It happened in 2015. Merkel said Germany will take illegals. Hungary just helped them to get there faster. Thank God, they all left. However, Hungary was stuck with an enormous cleaning bill after the invader left.