On Tuesday 30 July, the European Commission said it would be contacting the Hungarian government to ask for clarification on the scope of the recent Schengen visa facilitation scheme for nationals of several third countries, including Russia and Belarus.
It will also be looking into whether this system is compatible with European visa rules. “Our position is well known: Russia is a threat to security”, explained the Commission, reacting to a letter from the EPP party, which is concerned about the EU’s internal security, addressed to the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. “Member States must ensure the safety of their citizens and the security of the Schengen area”, added the Commission.
In the letter, revealed by the Financial Times, the EPP argues that the decision would allow unchecked Russians to travel unhindered throughout much of the EU, raising “serious national security concerns”.
In addition, EPP President Manfred Weber wants the subject to be raised at the next European Summit. In July, Hungary published details of a new fast-track visa system allowing nationals from eight countries, including Russia and Belarus, to enter Hungary without security checks or other restrictions.
Budapest said that many of them would build nuclear power plants using Russian technology. However, Manfred Weber believes that this could lead to spying for Moscow. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)