Brussels. Leading representatives of the European political party family EVP have warned in a letter to the President of the European Council Charles Michel that such a mechanism is highly controversial and raises very serious security concerns, given the geopolitical context of the EU’s relations with Russia and Belarus. The EVP representatives, who fear that this approach could create serious gaps for espionage activities, warned that “this step taken by the Hungarian government could allow a large number of Russians to enter Hungary and the borderless Schengen area with minimal surveillance.” Leading representatives of the EVP called on the President of the European Council to examine the situation and ensure that it is discussed at the next EU summit.
According to the letter obtained by Deutsche Presse-Agentur, the aim should be to take strict measures to protect the integrity of the Schengen area. The letter was signed by German EVP chairman and CSU MP Manfred Weber, among others. The security risk that has already emerged must be limited.
Hungary’s close contacts with Russia raise concerns
Hungary has had special rules for guest workers for some time. However, the rules, which previously only applied to Ukrainians and Serbs, were expanded this month to include those from Russia and partner country Belarus. Under the regulation, guest workers can come for two years and then extend their stay as often as they want for three years. They are allowed to work in any profession they want. However, to benefit from the regulation, they must prove that they have a job, accommodation and health insurance in Hungary.
The European Commission, which is responsible for monitoring compliance with EU law, said it would contact Hungarian authorities to seek further information on the specific regulation. A spokesman in Brussels said Russia was seen as a security threat to the EU.
Hungary’s right-wing populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government has repeatedly made headlines for its close ties with Russia. Most recently, Orbán traveled to Moscow to meet with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin without consulting his EU partners, a move that has drawn criticism, especially as Hungary holds the rotating EU Council presidency.
2024-07-31 13:50:56