8 Countries Voice Concerns to EU Over Hungary’s Eased Entry Rules for Russians and Belarussians

Led by Estonia’s Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, eight Schengen Zone countries addressed a joint letter to the European Commission expressing their concerns related to Budapest’s inclusion of Russia and Belarus to Hungary’s National Card, EU Helpers reports.

Nordic and Baltic countries raised concerns that such a measure could pose security concerns in the Schengen Area.

In addition to Estonia, the letter was also signed by the Interior, Justice and Foreign Ministers of Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Lithuania, Latvia, Norway and Sweden.

Inclusion of Russia & Belarus in Hungary’s National Card Sparks Controversies in EU

Hungarian new type of resident permit, called the National Card, is among the best options for acquiring residency in Hungary.

In order to benefit from this card, foreigners are not required to have special or high qualifications. The card is valid for two years and can be extended for at least three years. In addition, if internationals plan to change their status, they can apply for another type of Hungarian residency without being obliged to leave Hungary.

Up to this point, the card was available only to nationals of Serbia and Ukraine, however, at present, nationals of the following countries are also eligible to benefit from Hungary’s National Card: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, Montenegro, Moldova, North Macedonia, Russia.

The recent inclusion of Russia and Belarus on this card sparked controversies among authorities in Europe.

Calls for Hungary’s Expulsion From Schengen Area

Earlier this month, the Member of the Finnish Parliament and the leader of the Social Democratic Parliamentary Group, Tytti Tuppurainen, said that Hungary must be excluded from the Schengen Zone, following Budapest’s decision to extend its National Card to Russian and Belarussian nationals.

Besides, a total of 67 members of the European Parliament addressed a letter to the European Union Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, calling for stricter measures against Budapest, if the latter’s authorities do not change their visa policy.

MEPs considered Hungary’s decision irresponsible, adding that such a step poses a significant threat to the EU; ‘s security.

However, the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, recently warned that the exclusion of Hungary from the Schengen Area would be the beginning of Hungary’s exit from the European Union too.