As of Sunday evening, August 4, 70 MEPs signed a letter calling on the European Commission to suspend Hungary's participation in the Schengen area due to the easing of visa rules for citizens of Russia and Belarus. This was reported by Politico, according to UNN.
Details
According to Politico, discontent is growing in the European Parliament over Hungary's decision to ease visa restrictions for Russians and Belarusians. A group of lawmakers in the European Parliament is calling for the EU executive to take action against Budapest, including possible expulsion from the Schengen free travel zone.
"We urge the European Commission to take urgent measures to investigate Hungary's decision, as it may constitute a loophole and potentially jeopardize the overall functioning of the Schengen area and its role as a safe space for citizens," reads the letter initiated by Czech lawmaker Danuša Nerudová and Lithuanian MP Petras Austrevicius.
According to the newspaper, as of Sunday evening, the letter had collected about 70 signatures, including former prime ministers of Belgium and Ireland.
“If the Hungarian government refuses to change its policy, the Commission and all EU representatives should question the Hungarian presence in the Schengen area by introducing new measures to protect European citizens, including, if necessary, new controls at the Hungarian borders,” the letter goes on to say.
It also says that other EU countries may not recognize Hungarian visas and introduce controls at the country's border.
Addendum Addendum
The European Union on Thursday, August 1, demanded that Hungary respond to concerns that Budapest's decision to ease visa rules for Russian and Belarusian citizens increases the risk of espionage in the bloc.