Brussels responds to Hungary’s controversial move. There is a letter. “We will take action”

“Russia is a security threat. We need more vigilance. Giving potential Russian spies and saboteurs easy access to the EU would undermine the security of us all,” EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson wrote on Thursday on Portal X.

European Union warns Hungary, demands explanation

In a letter to Hungary, she called on Viktor Orban’s government to provide explanations no later than August 19 regarding making it easier for Russians and Belarusians to enter the EU and the Schengen area. “If their easy access system poses a risk, we will take action,” Ylva Johansson stressed.

The letter emphasised that extending the simplified processing of applications for residence and work permits for citizens of Russia and Belarus “could de facto circumvent the restrictions imposed by the Union”. It also noted that “the requirement to assess whether persons crossing the external border pose a threat to public policy, internal security, public health or international relations is a fundamental obligation of all Schengen members”.

In the case of the Russian Federation and Belarus, this also means the full and loyal application of the EU’s restrictive measures prohibiting the entry into or transit through the territories of Member States of certain citizens.

– we read.

Hungary is bringing in workers from Russia and Belarus

. This concerns work and residence permits valid in Hungary. The Hungarian authorities want to recruit workers who will be employed primarily in the expansion of the nuclear power plant in Hungary by the Russian Rosatom. The processing of applications for a national card should be accelerated and not require special security checks.

Holders of a so-called national card issued by Hungary can travel to all 29 Schengen countries for 90 days without having to apply for a Schengen visa. However, other Schengen countries may refuse entry to them if they pose a security risk.