EU may exclude Hungary from Schengen zone for issuing visas to Russians

The confrontation over Hungary's decision to ease visa restrictions for Russian and Belarusian citizens is growing. A group of lawmakers in the European Parliament has called for action against Budapest, including the possibility of excluding Hungary from the Schengen area.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to Politico.

The letter, initiated by Czech MP Danuša Nerudová and Lithuanian MP Petras Auštrevičius, demands that the European Commission urgently investigate Hungary's decision. The lawmakers argue that this decision could become a loophole and threaten the functioning of the Schengen area as a safe space for citizens.

The letter also contains a warning: "If the Hungarian government refuses to change its policy, the European Commission and all EU representatives should question the Hungarian presence in the Schengen area by introducing new measures to protect European citizens, including, if necessary, new control measures at the Hungarian borders."

The document mentions the possibility that other EU countries may not recognize Hungarian visas and impose controls on Hungary's border.

By Sunday evening, the letter had collected about 70 signatures, including those of former prime ministers of Belgium and Ireland.

Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 05/08/2024