German Politicians Call for Sanctions Against Hungary Over Visa Policy

BERLIN – In response to Hungary's recent liberalization of its visa system for Russian and Belarusian citizens, German politicians are urging for sanctions against Budapest. Michael Stuebgen, the Minister of the Interior for Brandenburg, emphasized the need for neighboring countries, including Austria, Croatia, Slovakia, and Romania, to implement border controls with Hungary. He described the situation as "unacceptable," arguing that an EU member state should not allow uncontrolled entry of Russian nationals. Stuebgen's comments were echoed by Manfred Weber, head of the European People’s Party, who also advocated for punitive measures against Hungary. Weber expressed concerns over the potential security risks posed by allowing unchecked entry of individuals from Russia, stating that "Putin’s spies and killers" have already inflicted significant harm on the EU and Germany. He insisted that Hungary's actions must have repercussions to safeguard European security. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser added to the discourse, highlighting the increased threat of Russian espionage and sabotage since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. Through her spokesperson, she called for EU member states to enhance their protective measures rather than create new entry routes for potentially dangerous individuals. The growing tension surrounding Hungary's visa policy reflects broader concerns within the EU regarding security and immigration, as member states grapple with the implications of Russia's ongoing aggression.