Hungary’s National Card scheme simplifies visa procedures and security screenings for “guest workers” coming from Russia and Belarus.

The European Commission has asked Hungary to explain its recent decision to ease visa requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens, which Brussels worries “could lead to a de facto circumvention” of the bloc’s restrictions and undermine safety standards across the passport-free Schengen Area.

“Russia is a security threat. We need more, not less vigilance. Giving potential Russian spies and saboteurs easy EU access would undermine the security of us all,” said Ylva Johansson, the Europen Commissioner for Home Affairs.

“If their easy access scheme is a risk, we will act.”

    • Gsus4@mander.xyz
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      3 months ago

      would be good, but it would remove Romania, Bulgaria and Greece from Schengen by land route…not sure of the impact it would have.

      • Justin@lemmy.jlh.name
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        3 months ago

        Schengen land border is currently at Hungary anyways, removing Hungary would not change the current status for those countries.