The European Commission – the EU executive – is to formally object to the closure of Hungary’s borders to all foreigners from Tuesday, a measure the Government says is needed to combat a rise in coronavirus infections.
Christian Wigand, a Commission spokesman, said the EU Commissioners in charge of justice and home affairs intended to remind Budapest that EU rules on freedom of movement were clear, and there could be no discrimination between EU citizens at the border.
“There are clear rules on free movement in the European Union and every member State needs to follow,” he said.
Hungary says it will only admit visitors from the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia as well as a few other exceptions. Returning residents will have to self-isolate for 14 days unless they provide two negative Covid-19 tests.
The number of infections has risen in Hungary in recent days. The Country has reported around 6,200 cases with 616 deaths as of Tuesday, September 2, 2020.
Yemisi Oreoluwa
