Schengen Area

The recent “surge” of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in two state elections in Eastern Germany caused a political “shock” in Berlin and led to new stricter measures from Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition, which is attempting to impose controls at land borders, essentially dismantling the Schengen Agreement.

Germany announced plans this week to extend controls to all its land borders and turn away more asylum seekers in a bid to reduce irregular migration in a shift from its previous open-door policy.

The European Union is grappling with a sharp increase in both legal and illegal migration, leading several member states to implement temporary border checks, despite their participation in the Schengen area, which typically allows for free movement. The Schengen rules permit such measures only "as a last resort" in response to serious threats to internal security or public order.

Hungary has expressed strong support for the full accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area, viewing it as a key national and European interest. Pál Zsigmond Barna, State Secretary of the Hungarian Ministry of European Affairs, made this statement during a roundtable discussion in the Romanian city of Targu Mures, as reported by the Magyar Hirlap newspaper.

Todor Batkov, owner of a worker import agency, discussed the growing issue of illegal human trafficking through Bulgaria in an appearance on Nova TV. Batkov highlighted that Bulgaria is becoming a significant hotspot for illegal trafficking operations aimed at Western Europe.

Trade Minister Ömer Bolat dismissed recent allegations of expanding the scope of Türkiye's special passport, known as the "green passport," which facilitates visa-free travel abroad, to encompass new professional groups.

The "Economist Intelligence Unit" has pushed back Bulgaria's anticipated entry into the Eurozone and full Schengen membership to 2026, citing ongoing political instability as a major factor. According to their August forecast, while adopting the euro could be technically feasible by 2025 if price stability and a stable government are achieved, the prevailing conditions suggest a delay.

The European Union's tensions with Hungary have intensified due to Budapest's alleged softening of Schengen visa restrictions for Russian citizens, leaving the EU Commission awaiting further clarification from Hungary on its "National Card" program.

Hungary has yet to provide the European Commission with an explanation regarding its recent decision to ease the issuance of work visas for Russian and Belarusian citizens, according to "Politico." The Commission indicated that it will review Budapest's actions in light of EU regulations once a response is received.

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned on Friday that Hungary's potential expulsion from the Schengen area could lead to its departure from the European Union as well. Speaking at a press conference, Tusk advised caution regarding the exclusion of any EU member state. "Exclusion from Schengen would be the start of Hungary's exit from the European Union too.