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MEPs push for suspending Hungary from Schengen over visa policy for Russians — Politico

Czech MEP Danuse Nerudova and Lithuania’s Petras Auatrevicius pointed to Budapest’s decision that they insisted "could represent a loophole and potentially jeopardize the overall functioning of the Schengen area and its role as a secure space for citizens"

BRUSSELS, August 5. /TASS/. A group of 70 lawmakers in the European Parliament has called for suspending Hungary from the Schengen zone after Budapest decided to ease visa restrictions for eight countries, including Russia and Belarus, Politico Europe reported.

Czech MEP Danuse Nerudova and Lithuania’s Petras Auatrevicius initiated a letter in which they urged the European Commission (EC) to take urgent measures to look into Budapest’s decision that they insisted "could represent a loophole and potentially jeopardize the overall functioning of the Schengen area and its role as a secure space for citizens," Politico said.

According to Politico, the authors of the letter pressed the Commission and all EU member countries to "question Hungarian presence in the Schengen area," if "the Hungarian government refuses to change its policy." A potential response could include new controls at Hungarian borders and refusal to recognize Hungarian visas, the letter reads.

It has collected around 70 signatures, including former Belgian and Irish premiers, Politico said without disclosing the names.

Earlier, a number of European media outlets, including the Financial Times, reported that Hungary had decided to relax visa requirements, including for Russians. On July 30, the EC requested an explanation from Hungary regarding this move. On August 1, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics demanded that Hungary’s participation in the Schengen area be restricted over Budapest’s Russian visa scheme.

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European Parliament Hungary Visa

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Ukraine abandons Selidovo, laying mines in wells — security services

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Biden’s decision to use ATACMS against Russia may 'blow up in America’s face' — US expert

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Russian, North Korean ministers of sport agree on exchanges in 2025 — KCNA

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Kiev forces lost over 260 troops in Kursk direction in 24 hours — Russian Defense Ministry

During the fighting in the Kursk direction, the enemy lost more than 35,310 servicemen

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Twelve local residents have been evacuated from the scene

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Opposition holds rally in Georgian capital to protest election outcome

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Putin congratulates Serbian film director Kusturica with seventieth birthday

Counsellor of the Russian Embassy in Serbia Natalia Klischenkova read the text of the telegram to Kusturica

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Russian armed forces defeat Ukrainian assault Battalion Shkval in DPR

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FACTBOX: What is known about Russian flight incident at Antalya Airport

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T-90M tank shows itself as best in the world in real fight — Medvedev

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US Army under Trump may fire all trans persons — media

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Retreating Ukrainian troops leave dozens of bodies behind in Chasov Yar

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Russian forces eliminate Ukrainian MiG-29 on ground

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Ciolacu, Lasconi to face off in presidential runoff in Romania next month — exit polls

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Peace deal between Israel, Hezbollah 'very close' — TV

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Moscow not ruling out Trump’s meeting with North Korean leader

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Kremlin spokesman says missiles like Oreshnik are developed in secrecy

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Russian MFA withholds public comment on nominee for new ambassador to US

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Conflict in Ukraine no longer regional war — German defense minister

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on November 21 that strikes on Russian territory with Western long-range missiles had made the conflict in Ukraine a global one

Russia encircles largest Ukrainian fortification in southern DPR — security services

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West beginning to realize only part of Ukraine will remain — Lavrov

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German politician slams Ukraine’s ‘irresponsible’ strike on Russia with UK-made missiles

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Kremlin clarifies notification process for Oreshnik missile launch

"An automated warning was sent 30 minutes before the launch," Dmitry Peskov said

Strike with Oreshnik missile was a timely and effective response to the West — Kremlin

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Most of Russian weapons manufactured inside Russia — Medvedev

Gazprombank’s UnionPay cards no longer serviced in several countries