Hungary has declared its intention to block Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen Area over a tax levied on Russian natural gas transiting through Bulgaria.
The vow comes amid escalating tensions between Budapest and Brussels over energy policy.
Veto Over Tax Hampering Gas Supply
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó announced on December 16th that Hungary will veto Bulgaria’s Schengen membership if the tax on Russian gas transfers is not removed.
Szijjártó emphasized that the tax threatens Hungary’s energy security, stating that Hungary has clearly communicated the consequences to Bulgaria if the surcharge persists.
The decision carries major implications for Hungary’s Russian gas supply route.
Despite the European Union’s (EU) efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy, Hungary continues to receive significant gas volumes from Russia, with the majority flowing through Bulgaria.
Stance Aligned with Threatened Russian Ties
Hungary’s resistance aligns with its maintained ties to Russia, even during the Ukraine invasion.
While Western states work to cut Russian energy reliance, Hungary’s nationalist government has upheld regular Russian contacts.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban referred to former Bulgarian PM Boyko Borissov as an ‘old friend’ after discussions on the Schengen issue.
Borissov indicated consensus among Bulgarian officials to repeal the tax.
However, current PM Kiril Petkov has stressed cooperation with the EU’s approach.
Impact on Travelers Seeking Schengen Access
The Schengen disagreement has implications for visitors to Europe requiring Schengen visas.
Alternatively, this will also affect visitors with ETIAS clearance once the pre-travel authorization launches in 2025.
If Bulgaria remains excluded from the Schengen Area, travelers transiting through the country may face additional border checks.
his could complicate travel for tourists, workers, students, and families relocating within the Schengen Zone.
Once launched in 2025, the ETIAS will be mandatory for visa-exempt travelers to Schengen countries.
Bulgaria’s non-inclusion would create an extra layer for ETIAS approval.
Standoff Highlights Immigration Policy Differences
The standoff also highlights differences in European immigration policies.
While advocating for Bulgaria’s Schengen accession, Brussels wants more coordinated external border control.
However, Hungary’s nationalist government favors stronger national sovereignty over immigration.
This aligns with Hungary’s veto over EU accession talks for Ukraine.
Highlighting the Energy Policy Rift
The Schengen veto threat spotlights escalating divisions between Hungary and EU allies over approaches to Russia.
Hungary asserts that vital gas supplies are endangered by Bulgaria’s actions, while Brussels pushes reduced Russian energy dependence amid the Ukraine conflict.
The outcome of this rift may impact Schengen expansion and European unity on Russia policy.