Hungary's Veto Threats Over Russian Gas Tax Jeopardize Bulgaria's Schengen Entry

Hungary's Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, has stated that Hungary will veto Bulgaria's bid to join the Schengen area unless Bulgaria removes a transit levy on Russian gas. Hungary accuses Bulgaria of carrying out a hostile action by imposing an additional tax on Russian gas transiting its territory. Hungary relies on Russian gas supplied through Bulgaria, and if Bulgaria jeopardizes Hungary's energy supply, Hungary will veto their Schengen entry. The European Commission has considered Bulgaria ready to join Schengen since 2011, but previous vetoes have blocked its accession.