Germany is calling for tighter controls on the EU’s borders with Hungary due to the easing of visa requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens. A German minister called for border controls, citing a high risk of Russian espionage and sabotage.
Nancy Faeser of the German Interior Ministry also emphasized the need for all EU countries to protect themselves from Russian espionage and sabotage.
Michael Stübgen, Minister of the Interior of the German state of Brandenburg, calls for strengthening border control on all EU borders with Hungary, T-Online reported.
Budapest’s decision to relax visa requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens prompted the proposal for this initiative.
The German minister reminded us that European treaties allow for border control in exceptional situations.
“Just as we do with Poland and the Czech Republic, countries such as Austria, Croatia, Slovakia, and Romania should do the same. It is unacceptable for an EU country to allow Russians to enter the country virtually unchecked.”
Michael Stübgen, Minister of the Interior of the German state of Brandenburg
In this context, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said that the risk of Russian espionage and sabotage is high and has become even more acute since the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“Therefore, all EU partners should step up their efforts to protect against Russian espionage and sabotage and should not create potential loopholes,” Nancy Faeser emphasized.
The immigration program allows citizens of these countries to apply for so-called “national cards” to be able to work in Hungary. Previously, such cards were available only to citizens of Ukraine and Serbia.
Earlier, Manfred Weber, chairman of the European Parliament’s largest party, the European People’s Party, sent a letter to European Council President Charles Michel asking him to raise this issue at the next EU leaders’ summit, which will take place in October 2024.
Also, the EU demanded that Hungary respond to concerns that Budapest’s decision to ease visa requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens increases the risk of espionage in the bloc. Ylva Johansson, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, sent the corresponding letter to Hungary.
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