Germany asks Hungary for border controls: Unacceptable to let Russians in

German politicians are demanding sanctions on Budapest due to the liberalisation of the visa system for Russia and are calling on Hungary's neighbours, including Croatia, to impose border controls with Hungary.

“Controls must be placed on Hungarian borders, this is legally possible. Now neighbouring countries like Austria, Croatia, Slovakia and Romania are on the move”, said Brandenburg Interior Minister Michael Stuebgen.

In an interview for the daily Bild, he said this move was necessary after Hungary eased the visa system for the citizens of Russia and Belarus and facilitated the easier immigration of the workforce from these countries.

It is unacceptable that a member of the European Union is allowing Russians to enter the country relatively uncontrolled”, Stuebgen said.

His colleague and European People's Party head, Manfred Weber, also demanded that Hungary be sanctioned for facilitating the entry of Russian citizens and Belarus.

“Putin's spies and killers have already caused too much damage to the European Union and Germany... anyone who allows Russians in the EU without being controlled strongly threatens Europe's” security, Weber said, adding that Hungary's “move should have consequences”.