Michael Stübgen, the Interior Minister of Germany’s Brandenburg state and a member of the center-right CDU party, has called for the European Union to implement stricter border controls at Hungary’s borders to prevent Russian spies from entering the European space.
Hungary Recently Decided to Ease Entry Requirements
Stübgen emphasized that European treaties allow for border controls in exceptional situations, according to Ziare. He suggested that, similar to the measures in place with Poland and the Czech Republic, Austria, Croatia, Slovakia, and Romania should also enforce stringent checks.
Stübgen’s request comes in the wake of Hungary's recent decision to ease entry requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens.
Following a visit by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to Moscow, Budapest introduced these nationals into the “National Card” program, which provides a two-year residency permit with an option for extension for those seeking employment in Hungary.
Threaf of Russian Espionage
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser of the SPD has not ruled out such a decision, acknowledging the heightened risk of Russian espionage and sabotage since the onset of Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine. A spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of the Interior noted that
“the threat of Russian espionage and sabotage is high and has increased since the start of Russia's violation of international law by invading Ukraine.” The spokesperson stressed that all EU partners need to intensify their efforts to protect against these threats and avoid creating potential vulnerabilities.
