• TWeaK@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    “One of the first decisions of the government must be an order renewing border controls with Hungary,” Fico told a news conference. “It will not be a pretty picture,” he said, adding force would be needed on the 655km (407 miles) border.

    Given that both countries are in the EU, how on earth does he expect to control the border?

    • Barbarian@sh.itjust.works
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      1 year ago

      EU countries are not automatically part of the Schengen agreement. Also, you can be part of Schengen without being in the EU.

      This image shows which is which. Purple is Schengen + EU, blue is non-EU Schengen, yellow is EU but not Schengen.

      Travelling from Romania to Hungary, for example, can be done with just an ID card, you don’t need a passport, but there are still border guards and ID checks on anyone crossing that border.

      • TWeaK@lemm.ee
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        1 year ago

        Yes but they’re talking about the border between Slovakia and Hungary, both of which are in the Schengen zone.

        • Barbarian@sh.itjust.works
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          1 year ago

          I still think it answers the question. Namely, the way you control your borders as an EU member state is by abandoning the Schengen agreement.

          • TWeaK@lemm.ee
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            1 year ago

            Lmao in the literal sense, yes, that would be how to do it. I was referring to the practicality of that, particularly as they’ve shown no sign nor mention of negotiating an exit from Schengen or even Article 50 (even less likely). Frankly, I think this is hollow political pandering, at least for now.

      • baked_tea@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        We are a transit country for most of migrants. If Czech/ german / polish borders are closed they can’t pass through our country so it makes sense to close down borders as well. Both parties would do it. I hate Fico just fyi

    • Maalus@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      A lot of countries in the EU are starting on border controls. It’s not something that’s a given, you can restore those.