BUDAPEST, Hungry: Tytti Tuppurainen, chairperson of the Social Democratic Parliamentary Group, has urged the European Union to take decisive action in response to Hungary’s expansion of its fast-track visa scheme, which now includes Russia and Belarus.
This move allows citizens from these countries to enter the Schengen Area via Hungary without the usual security checks, raising significant concerns about potential security risks.
Tuppurainen advocated for Hungary to be excluded from the Schengen Area’s free movement provisions and for the reintroduction of border controls. She emphasized that while Hungary should not be expelled from the EU, safeguarding the union’s security is paramount.
Her call for action reflects worries over Hungary’s stance on Russian immigration and its implications for EU-wide security.
Hungary’s decision to broaden its visa scheme, initially available to Serbia and Ukraine, now encompasses eight additional countries. This expansion coincides with Hungary’s recent presidency of the EU Council, during which Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, further straining relations within the EU.
The European Commission is set to review whether Hungary’s visa policy complies with Schengen regulations. The issue has sparked a call for urgent discussions at the EU Council level to address the security concerns raised by Tuppurainen and others.
The situation remains dynamic, with additional developments expected as the European Commission evaluates the impact of Hungary’s visa policy on EU security and unity.
