Germany Demands Stricter Border Control After Hungary Eases Entry for Russians and Belarusians

German politicians are calling for a unified EU response following Hungary's decision in July to significantly ease entry requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens by including them in the National Card program.

German news outlet Bild reported on Aug 3 that German politician Manfred Weber, a member of the Christian Social Union (CSU) and Head of the European People's Party (EPP) in the European Parliament has called for strong actions against Hungary's plans to ease entry requirements for Russian and Belarusian workers.

“Anyone who allows Russians into the EU without checking them is massively endangering Europe's security. Putin's spies and murderers have already caused a lot of damage in the EU and Germany. Further damage must now be prevented," Manfred said.

the Minister of the Interior and for Municipal Affairs Michael Stübgen advocated for increased border controls at all EU borders with Hungary, citing that EU legislation permits such measures. 

"The European treaties allow border controls for exceptional situations. Just as we do with Poland and the Czech Republic, countries like Austria, Croatia, Slovakia and Romania would have to do the same. It is unacceptable that an EU country allows Russians into the country virtually unchecked," Stübgen said in an interview with BamS.

Federal Minister of the Interior and Community Nancy Faeser noted that the danger of Russian espionage and sabotage is high and has increased even more since the beginning of Russia's war against Ukraine.

“All EU partners should therefore increase their efforts to protect against Russian espionage and sabotage,” she said.

Multiple Russia-linked sabotages have been revealed recently in Europe, including a 40-year-old Russian chef, Kirill Gryaznov, who was arrested as an alleged spy plotting to undermine the Paris Olympic Games.