Hungary has simplified the conditions of entry for russians and Belarusians, which has caused concern in the EU and the threat of exclusion from the Schengen area for Budapest. Find out more about the measures being prepared against Hungary and how this will affect the security of Europe

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Hungary's recent decision to ease entry requirements for russian and Belarusian citizens has caused a wave of concern in the European Union. This initiative by the government of Viktor Orban has been criticized by many European leaders and experts who warn of potential threats to the continent's security. Now Hungary risks losing its place in the Schengen area if it does not change its policy. In this article, we will look at the details of this decision, the reaction of European officials, and the possible consequences for Hungary and the European continent as a whole.

When and why did Hungary simplify entry for russians and Belarusians?

Hungary has simplified the conditions of entry for citizens of russia and Belarus, which came as a shock to the European Union. After Viktor Orban's visit to moscow, Budapest introduced a "national card" program. This card is issued for two years with the possibility of extension and allows its holders to work, start a business, bring their families and live in Hungary for a long time. According to journalist Orest Sohar, Budapest allows russians and Belarusians to enter the country with this card without any checks.

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Reaction of the EU and experts: what are the risks of such a decision?

Hungary's innovation has caused serious concern in Europe. After all, while Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Finland, the Czech Republic, and Estonia impose restrictions on the entry of russians, Budapest opens the door for them to enter and reside freely in the EU. Western media are also concerned that this could allow russian spies to enter the EU.

EU foreign policy expert Sergiy Lagodynsky called Budapest's actions "the wrong approach." He emphasized that entry permits for russians and Belarusians without security checks are granted at a time when russia is waging a hybrid war against Europe. Lahodynsky expressed his belief that "it would be wrong to brand all russian citizens as submarines of the regime," but added that Orban is doing what he always does: undermining the European migration system and becoming a servant of the kremlin.

In a letter to European Council President Charles Michel, Manfred Weber, chairman of the European People's Party, said that Hungary's move would allow unverified russians to travel freely across most of the EU and raises serious national security concerns. Weber called for the issue to be discussed at the next leaders' summit in October.

A little later, a group of 67 MEPs appealed to the European Commission to take restrictive measures against Hungary. They noted that Budapest's decision could create a loophole for potentially dangerous individuals and call into question Hungary's participation in the Schengen area. The letter, initiated by Czech MP Danuša Nerudová and Lithuanian MP Petras Austrevicius, demanded that the European Commission urgently investigate Hungary's decision. The lawmakers argue that this decision could pose a threat to the functioning of the Schengen area as a safe space for citizens.

How likely is it that Hungary will be excluded from the Schengen area?

One of the biggest threats to Hungary is the possibility of its exclusion from the Schengen area. Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs said that restricting Hungary's participation in the Schengen area, if its policy does not change, is one of the important means that Latvia and like-minded countries will have to work on.

At the same time, experts doubt that Hungary can be severely punished. Orban has already been "hinted" at the door to the EU and NATO, but Brussels will not dare to do so, as it would create a russian-Chinese enclave in the EU. Therefore, European politicians will continue to seek a compromise with Orban, punishing him by limiting funding and reducing his powers in the European Community.

We remind you! The U.S. Congress has presented a detailed report on potential threats to its country. It states that the country is facing the greatest challenges since the end of World War II. Officials also talk about the risk of World War III, the beginning of which will depend on the outcome of the war in Ukraine. Read more about what the American report says in our previous article.

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