2024-07-31 04:32:37
This was stated by Manfred Weber, the chairman of the largest group of the European People’s Party in the European Parliament, The Financial Times reports.
In his letter to the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, he writes that this move will allow unhindered Russians to travel freely throughout a large part of the EU and will create “serious national security problems”.
M. Weber asks Ch. Michel to raise the issue at the next leaders’ summit in October.
Hungary this month announced the fast-track issuance of visas to citizens of eight countries, including Russia and Belarus, who can enter Hungary without security checks and other restrictions. Budapest says many of the newcomers will build a nuclear power plant based on Russian technology.
According to Mr Weber, the need for a new immigration system in Hungary is “questionable”, as it “could create significant loopholes for espionage”. A large number of minimally vetted Russians may enter Hungary, which will pose a significant threat to national security.
“This policy can also facilitate the movement of Russians in the Schengen area, bypassing the restrictions provided for by EU law,” states M. Weber.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban sparked outrage from other EU leaders earlier this month when he traveled to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin after a visit to Kyiv, ostensibly to broker peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
2024-07-31 04:32:37