Hungary’s exclusion from Schengen Zone discussed in EP amid National Card controversy

Hungary’s days in the Schengen area may be numbered. The European Commission has once again addressed the Hungarian government about its controversial National Card system, following a previous response that left Brussels unsatisfied. In fact, the EU finds Hungary’s support for Russia and Belarus increasingly baffling.

During a session of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, made it clear that Russia poses a serious threat to the peace, democracy, and stability of the European Union, HVG reports.

Major security concerns surround the National Card scheme

Ylva Johansson EP Schengen
Ylva Johansson, Member of the European Commission responsible for Home Affairs, at a press conference in Brussels on 12 June 2024. Photo: MTI/EPA/Olivier Hoslet

Johansson emphasised that security concerns have touched all areas of policy, which is why the EU ended its visa facilitation agreements with Russia and Belarus after the invasion of Ukraine. Since then, travel from these countries to the EU has decreased by 90%.

She also pointed out that Russian espionage and sabotage attempts are an ongoing concern in many EU member states, illustrating that Russia is actively working against the bloc’s interests.

The Hungarian government’s explanation regarding the National Card system has only deepened the EU’s concerns. Johansson continues to question the necessity of the system in the current geopolitical climate, and she remains unconvinced that its potential benefits outweigh the risks. Therefore, she has sent another letter to Hungary, requesting clarification by the end of September.

Jeroen Lenaerts, a member of the European People’s Party, didn’t mince words during the debate, stating that Hungary’s actions could be seen as a gift to Putin and a direct challenge to the EU. He warned that Hungary’s stance could threaten the integrity of the entire Schengen Zone.

No one defended Hungary’s position

No one in the debate defended Hungary’s position directly. Supporters of the Orbán government instead shifted the conversation to focus on illegal immigration, raising concerns about its dangers. Some of these critics, including members of the far-right Sovereign Nations of Europe group, expressed frustration that no representative from the Hungarian government was present to explain their side, even though Hungarian Minister János Bóka had been in the same building earlier for a press conference.

In response, committee chairman

Javier Zarzajelos clarified that the Hungarian government had not requested to participate in the meeting.

The discussion ended with calls from several MEPs to consider excluding Hungary from the Schengen Area altogether due to the ongoing concerns about its policies.

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