Orbán's 'National Card' scheme risks 'temporary suspension of Hungary's Schengen status'

In today's plenary debate in Strasbourg, initiated at the request of Renew Europe, on the Hungarian government's decision to extend the "National Card" scheme to Russian and Belarus citizens, our MEPs will raise the serious security risk it will cause for the whole EU.

Giving Russian and Belarus guest workers access to all Schengen countries without a proper security screening is not only in total contradiction with the EU's policy since the beginning of Russia's war against Ukraine - which started with the suspension of the visa facilitation regime in 2022 -, but also poses a potential threat. Renew Europe calls on the Commission to urgently explore all legal options available to stop this and for EU leaders to adopt measures to protect the integrity of the Schengen area.

Fabienne Keller (Renaissance, France), initiator of the debate and Renew Europe's coordinator in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, said:

"Orbán has clearly made a decision of who his allies are - he chooses Putin over his European partners. This decision, which came just days after his visit to Putin in Moscow, has far-reaching consequences for not only the Hungarian people, but all European citizens. An influx of Russian and Belarusian citizens is opening the door for potential espionage activities in our Union. If Orbán follows through with this, the EU will have to consider imposing measures, such as the temporary suspension of Hungary's Schengen status, to ensure the security of our citizens is not jeopardised."

Background:

On 8th July, Orban's government extended the Hungarian "National Card" scheme to new nationalities, including Russian and Belarus citizens. The scheme allows Hungarian authorities to invite an unlimited number of guest workers in all sectors. The Card, valid for two years, can be extended multiple times and enables family reunification for any holder. The guest workers will have access to all the Schengen countries without a thorough security check.