The debate surrounding Hungary's National Card Program took a sharp turn following a recent meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs (LIBE). The meeting, which was to address concerns over the “potential security risks” of the program, notably excluded representatives from the Hungarian government.
János Bóka, Hungary's minister of EU affairs, responded to this exclusion by calling it "political hysteria," stressing that Hungary's National Card Program poses no threat to the European Union's security.
His comments came in the wake of accusations from European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson, who had previously questioned the program, suggesting it could facilitate entry for Russian and Belarusian spies. Despite requests to join the discussion, the Hungarian delegation was sidelined, and the LIBE committee proceeded with the meeting without any Hungarian input, a decision that Minister Bóka and other Hungarian officials rightly deemed politically motivated.
Ylva Johansson, who had raised the initial concerns, was invited, despite her inquiry lacking any specific legal arguments.
The Patriots for Europe group in the EP had requested that the Hungarian government be invited to the LIBE discussion, allowing members of the European Parliament to receive accurate, firsthand information regarding the National Card Program. However, this request was denied, further intensifying the perception that Hungary’s exclusion was politically charged.
Minister Bóka also emphasized that the framework of the National Card Program has remained unchanged since its implementation, and neither the European Commission nor any member states had raised concerns previously.
"We are fully committed to maintaining stringent security measures," he stated, noting that the program adheres to EU regulations regarding employment-related residency, with applicants subject to the same rigorous security screenings as for other residence permits.
Minister Bóka noted that the committee's refusal to allow Hungarian participation makes it impossible to have an open and honest dialogue on the issue. "Without our involvement, this is nothing but political hysteria," he stated, urging the European Parliament to cease these attacks.
Fidesz MEP Kinga Gál underscored that these criticisms of the National Card Program are unfounded and part of a broader campaign to undermine Hungary's current government.
"The accusations are based on political distortions rather than concrete facts," she argued, adding that the program in no way endangers the Schengen system or EU internal security.
Hungarian officials have consistently countered claims of Hungary being a haven for Russian spies. As outlined by Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, statistical evidence shows that Hungary hosts only a small percentage of Russian nationals within the EU—less than 1 percent of the 718,000 Russian citizens registered across the Union. There are far higher numbers in countries like Germany, Latvia, and Estonia.
FM Szijjártó’s earlier remarks pointed out that if European institutions are truly concerned about Russian influence, they should "look elsewhere."
Fidesz MEP László András pointed out that the handling of the LIBE meeting, particularly the lack of explanation for excluding Hungary, further suggests a politically motivated agenda. "It speaks for itself," he remarked, emphasizing that this is not the first time Hungary has been targeted in this manner.
Hungary, having spent billions on border security, finds the idea that it would provide easy access for foreign spies particularly insulting. As these criticisms have mounted over time, the Hungarian government has remained steadfast in its defense, with officials like Minister Bóka insisting that “it’s time to stop.”
Hungary has repeatedly emphasized that the National Card Program complies with all necessary regulations and security measures.
The recent exclusion from the LIBE meeting only further highlights the deep-rooted divisions between Hungary and certain EU factions, and, in conclusion, I can only reiterate Minister Bóka’s remarks: "We are committed to an open and honest dialogue, but that cannot happen without us at the table." Otherwise, it’s just political hysteria.