Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said on Wednesday that Hungary will reopen its Schengen borders from June 24, unless the coronavirus pandemic takes a turn for the worse.
Minister Szijjártó told a press conference at the Hungarian Embassy in Bratislava that according to the plans, all 36 border crossings with Slovakia would open next week. Also, people living in counties and regions neighboring Hungary would be able to receive vaccines from Hungary. He added that Hungary had the fastest and most successful vaccination drive in Europe, with 60 percent of the country’s adults having been vaccinated, he said. Further steps can be taken now towards normal life.
The minister held the press conference together with the leaders of three ethnic Hungarian parties. He said Hungary was pleased to see that representatives of ethnic Hungarians in Slovakia had started cooperation, adding that “we wish them success in joining forces”.
He said Hungary’s diplomacy has always been focused on developing good relations with its neighbours and comparing the situation 11-12 years ago with today clearly shows that considerable efforts have been made. Relations between Hungary and Slovakia have never been as good as currently, he added.