Lithuania is asking the European Union to find legal solutions to limit the entry of Russians to the Schengen zone after Hungary decided to simplify the visa regime for Russian citizens. Adviser to the President of Lithuania, Asta Skysgirite, raised the issue on Žinių radijas radio, noting that the Schengen visa facilitates travel within the zone, which can create security risks for EU member states.
Skygirite noted that the "National Map" program introduced by Hungary should be carefully reviewed. The program allows Russians and citizens of other countries to work in Hungary without security checks, which has raised concerns among Lithuanian officials. They believe that this could facilitate unauthorized access to other Schengen countries.
Hungary, in turn, assured that the documents of Russians submitted for the "National Card" will be carefully checked, and any threats to the security of the EU will be taken into account. However, Lithuanian government officials called on EU foreign ministers to consider strengthening controls over the issuance of Schengen visas at their next meeting in October.
The next summit of European leaders may become decisive in the matter of possible restrictions for the Russians. Lithuania hopes that the discussion can lead to the development of new rules that will ensure the safety of EU countries and reduce the potential risks associated with the relaxation of the visa regime.
