Hungary's Relaxed Visa Rules for Russians Spark EU Debate on Schengen Membership
united24media.com

The European Union is considering the possibility of expelling Hungary from the Schengen Zone due to its recent decision to ease visa restrictions for Russian and Belarusian citizens.

A growing backlash has emerged against Hungary’s move to simplify visa requirements, which includes a new national card program for extended stays and work permits. This policy change, which followed a visit to Moscow by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has drawn sharp criticism from EU lawmakers.

The lawmakers have also suggested that if Hungary does not amend its policy, the European Commission and EU representatives should consider new measures to protect European citizens. This could include increased border controls at Hungary’s borders and the possibility for other EU states to not recognize Hungarian visas.

The letter, which has collected nearly 70 signatures, including from former Belgian and Irish prime ministers, highlights the escalating tensions within the EU over Hungary’s foreign policy decisions.

[Edit typo.]

  • bungalowtill@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    32·
    4 months ago

    First of all, no one has said that that the Schengen countries shouldn’t help Russian dissidents and those who flee the Putin regime.

    Thing is, Schengen countries don‘t help Russian dissidents and now some of them want to expel another Schengen country that is easing Visa restrictions. So, what needs to be said? Well, what OP said: Dissidents are stuck in Putin friendly countries.

    If the EU can improve that (and I am sure it can) we should do that.

    Yes of course it can. It just chose not to for the past 2 years.

    I am certain, however, that this is not what Mr. Orban has in mind with his relaxed visa rules. I firmly believe that he doesn’t want to help Russian dissidents.

    Yes, he probably doesn‘t. Makes no difference for the dissidents, though.

    My understanding is that visa and other rules in the bloc should be implemented based on consensual agreement rather than a single government’s decision. Such a move must be done in accordance with, not in disregard of international partners.

    Your understanding is that it should be? Because that‘s not how it is, right? Like we learnt last time: there‘s some discretion individual countries within Schengen can have regarding their Visa implementations. You know, some countries are even unhappy with Germany setting up border controls for the umpteenth time, blocking Schengen’s freedom of movement. But it‘s also within their rights.