Ban Hungary from Schengen temporarily due to Russian threat

D66 and CDA in the House of Representatives want to temporarily ban Hungary from Schengen because of the Russian threat. They argue that Hungary allows too many Russians to enter the country without checks, who can then travel to other countries in Europe to spy or infiltrate. As long as Hungary does not improve its control over the Russians, the parties want the Netherlands to claim such a temporary ‘ban’ in Europe.

The Schengen Agreement contains agreements on, among other things, the free movement of people between the 22 EU member states participating in Schengen (plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein).

In a debate tonight before the European Council meeting (at which Prime Minister Schoof will also be present), D66 and CDA asked Schoof to propose such a ban. If Hungary is suspended, passport controls will be required at the borders with Hungary again and there will be no free movement of people and goods.

Not all parties in the House of Representatives have yet taken their position on the proposal, which could put additional pressure on relations in the coalition. The plan may be supported by the VVD, but that party is also considering other measures to tighten control in Hungary. The PVV opposes the ban on Hungary.

“As long as Hungary sets the red flag for unsupervised Russian labor immigrants, these measures are necessary,” D66 initiator Paternotte told NOS. According to BP D66, 400 Russians were expelled from Europe a few years ago on suspicion of espionage. There was also a ban on drone sabotage at the NATO base near the Limburg border, says Paternette the threat of Russia is imminent, Hungary is rolling out the red carpet and we must stop it.”

The MP understands that it is a big step, but “the risk is great” and “the time to talk to Hungary is over”. Paternette also says it is “strange” that a party like the PVV, “which claims to be against immigration”, does not condemn “the immigration of Russian workers who could to spy or commit attacks”. “The fact that Wilders is friends with Orbán should not determine our policy and certainly not our security,” says D66.

“We should not be naive,” says CDA director Bontenbal. “The Russians are engaged in a dirty war and they are trying to bring in and influence elections here. Today I read a report about Russian infiltration of a water treatment plant in Finland. Many Member States are fed up with Hungary’s behaviour. We must not underestimate the risks and dangers. to confront countries that help the Russians.”

Bontenbal is counting on the government parties VVD and NSC to support the D66 and CDA plan, given their previous statements and positions on Hungary. “They are not looking forward to this behavior from Orbán either. And if a majority in Parliament supports our plan, Schoof will have to go to Europe with that message at the end of the week.”

The VVD tells the NOS that it is also looking at other options. MP Van Campen says that European agreements such as the Schengen Agreement can only be changed unanimously. “Perhaps internal border controls are more effective.”