Hungary has addressed concerns raised by Nordic and Baltic countries regarding its recent decision to ease entry restrictions for Russian and Belarusian citizens. The response from Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto was issued on August 18.
The Nordic and Baltic countries, including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden, sent a letter to EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson on August 15. The letter expressed worries that Hungary’s decision could pose a significant security risk to all EU member states. These countries are part of Europe’s Schengen zone, which allows for passport-free travel across internal borders.
Estonian Foreign Minister Marhus Tsahkna shared the letter on social media on August 16, arguing that the easing of entry restrictions for Russian and Belarusian nationals is unjustified, especially given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the perceived increase in hybrid threats against the EU. The letter mentioned concerns about potential acts of sabotage, violence, provocations at borders, and the instrumentalization of migrants. The eight countries had collectively concluded at the NATO summit in July that these actions pose a security threat.
In his response, Szijjarto criticized the concerns expressed by the Nordic and Baltic countries. He claimed that their fears were unfounded and labeled their comments as misinformation. According to Szijjarto, Russian and Belarusian citizens entering Hungary under the National Card program would still undergo comprehensive security checks. He accused the Nordic and Baltic countries of being influenced by a pro-war stance and dismissed their claims as false.
The National Card program, which Hungary introduced last month, aims to streamline visa processes for citizens of eight countries, including Russia and Belarus. The Hungarian government has stated that many individuals benefiting from this program will be employed in constructing a nuclear power plant under contract with Russia’s Rosatom.
EU Commissioner Ylva Johansson had earlier expressed concerns about the potential security implications of the program. In her letter to Hungarian Interior Minister Sandor Pinter, Johansson emphasized the need for increased vigilance given the security threat posed by Russia.
Russian citizens, however, are not banned from entering the EU or the Schengen Area if they hold a valid visa and do not have connections to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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