Netherlands proposes to temporarily exclude Hungary from Schengen

NOS reported this.

According to the report, D66 and CDA MPs appealed to Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof to initiate a procedure to temporarily suspend Hungary's membership in the Schengen area until border controls are improved.

‘If Hungary's membership is suspended, passport control will be required again at the borders with Hungary, and the free movement of people and goods will be impossible,’ the statement said.

D66 MP Ján Paternotte said that Hungary's actions endanger the European Union. The lack of proper vetting of Russians by Hungary could facilitate the infiltration of Russian spies and saboteurs.

‘As long as Hungary is rolling out the red carpet for Russian labour immigrants, over whom there is no control, such measures are necessary,’ the politician said.

Paternotte stressed that he realises that this is a big step, but ‘the threat is great’ and ‘the time for talking to Hungary is over’. In his opinion, it is also strange that Geert Wilders' PVV party, “which claims to be against immigration”, does not criticise “the immigration of Russian labour migrants who can spy or carry out attacks”.

CDA leader Henri Bontenbal stressed that many EU countries are concerned about Hungary's actions and called for decisive measures against countries that facilitate the infiltration of Russian agents.

Hungary eases Schengen restrictions for Russians

At the end of July, following the visit of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Moscow, Budapest said it was simplifying the conditions for Russians and Belarusians to enter the country. The European Commission has asked for detailed explanations for this decision.

On August 5, a group of 67 MEPs appealed to the European Commission to take restrictive measures against Hungary for easing visa restrictions for Russian and Belarusian citizens. At the same time, MEPs proposed to consider excluding the country from the Schengen area.

On August 16, the heads of the Foreign Ministries and the Interior Ministries of the Nordic and Baltic countries sent a joint letter to EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson, in which they expressed concern over the decision to ease visa requirements.

On August 18, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said that his country's easing of entry for Russian and Belarusian citizens does not pose a security risk to the Schengen area, while EU colleagues ‘continue their campaign of lies’ against Hungary.