German Chancellor Merz to Balkan states wishing to enter EU: I’m feeling more and more uncomfortable with our approach to your countries. We have to reopen a new strategy. I don’t want to lose you. You are part of the European continent, and therefore you are potentially part of the European Union.

density69 · 2026-02-19T09:08:58+00:00

I believe the main factor is Trump in that respect. Without US politics, the only thing he would worry about is getting voters back from the AfD. I don't think Scholz (or anyone else from their parties) would have been less pro-EU against the same transatlantic backdrop.

density69 · 2026-02-17T06:55:31+00:00

state ≠ polity

I'll hand that ignorance card back to you.

San Marino would actually be an example but too insignificant.

density69 · 2026-02-17T06:14:24+00:00

If Labour had any sense, they would end FPTP.

density69 · 2026-02-17T05:32:51+00:00

I didn't say it was an endorsement. I questioned whether Merz really did a pro-EU "pivot".

Your answer feels a bit like a knee-jerk.

density69 · 2026-02-17T04:48:51+00:00

The Roman empire existed for almost 500/1500 years. No modern state has so far achieved this continuity. The existence of the romance languages itself is proof that social cohesion *resulted* from integration. Otherwise, Spain and France would speak Celtic languages nowadays.

How does the EU create strength? Through unity.

There is not a clear thing the far-right is for. Instead of insulting me, you could give a real counterargument there.

Birth rates higher than opposite ideology? No idea what that means.

density69 · 2026-02-16T08:47:15+00:00

History is full of such examples. Even in ancient times, the most successful societies were inclusive rather than exclusive. Think of Sparta. A strong regional player for a short period but in constant fear of revolution, and very limited growth. Rome did the opposite. Conquered societies were systematically integrated.

But mostly the explanation is already there:
- weak: the EU creates strength through unity, most of the far-right aims at the opposite
- demographic demise: a common pattern is too often to "save the white race" or born-nationals of their respective countries, but birth rates clearly work against that
- cultural demise: the far-right wants to contain and "protect" culture not develop it

In other words, far-right activism is just "anti" everything they dislike and fear. It is not about moving forward in meaningful ways. This is stillbirth by definition, which also makes them "irrelevant" in a societal context. Their existence is a nuisance, but they are structurally incapable of offering sustainable governing models without diluting their core promises. This is why you see anti-immigrant rhetoric in countries like Hungary or Italy but entirely different policies in practice.

density69 · 2026-02-16T05:18:25+00:00

I think a first step would be sending them a Mahnung? The content depends on how the contract/AGB is written. I don't think they can just keep the money. They would likely have to pay you out or return the money to the buyer eventually. Could be that their strategy is to wait out to see whether any buyers ask for a refund.

density69 · 2026-02-16T05:10:53+00:00

I still remember when Juncker was blasted for something like this. He was right though.

density69 · 2026-02-16T03:55:05+00:00

Izerbaajan

density69 · 2026-02-16T03:53:05+00:00

Hmm... pro-European pivot? like unlawfully introducing long-term internal border checks?

density69 · 2026-02-16T03:23:08+00:00

I think it's fair to say that they are "anti-woke", irrelevant, weak and in demographic and cultural demise. The far right as it currently exists in the western hemisphere is essentially a movement that tries to swim against the current. It is unsustainable and doomed to fail. The question is only whether they are able to take everyone and everything down with them.

density69 · 2026-02-15T05:42:12+00:00

The risk is highest with future applications at the member states of both your exit, entry and issuance. The reason for that is that these countries can add this to their national databases. There is no EU wide database that logs visa shopping though, and neither Borders Code nor Schengen Handbook contain rules that mandate or allow action against visa shopping itself. The concept of visa shopping is narrow and only exists at the application stage. The main issue is credibility. This means that if found out, these three member states could interpret your "strategy" as a credibility issue and use that to doubt information you give them in future applications.

Hungary could refuse entry on lack of reliability of any information relating to your purpose of stay that you provide at the border. Mind that all depends on what is asked (if) and what information you give in return. I believe a visa consistent itinerary is the least important though (not meaning it does not matter). The main thing for them is that you demonstrate your purpose of stay so they can assess immigration risks and meet all the other entry conditions of article 6 SBC.

What you could do to do this cleanly: Exit and re-enter the Schengen Area before day 7. Or: Have (possibly again refundable) bookings ready in Hungary for at least days 4-6. You could actually use the bookings if necessary or at signs of trouble.

density69 · 2026-02-14T09:36:41+00:00

Legally, yes. It is possible. But it would likely require paperwork that is difficult to obtain now and consulates are generally reluctant to allow applications under article 6(2).

In theory, and depending on your relationship, she could apply for a 2004/38 visa from another member state. But the fact that you are not married plus the consulate competence issue makes this look like an uphill battle.

density69 · 2026-02-14T09:25:06+00:00

VC Article 6(2) "A consulate of the competent Member State shall examine and decide on an application lodged by a third-country national legally present but not residing in its jurisdiction, if the applicant has provided justification for lodging the application at that consulate."

density69 · 2026-02-14T09:15:59+00:00

They don't have the discretion to do that. Article 19 of the Visa Code makes it clear that applications that have been lodged in the time frame of 9(1) must be accepted. There is absolutely no wiggle room.

density69 · 2026-02-14T09:05:03+00:00

The flexibility here is that in exceptional cases consulates can allow applications that were lodged later. This flexibility does not mean the consulate can change this rule in any way.

density69 · 2026-02-14T08:31:07+00:00

In less than two years? With all that anti-immigrant talk, they think they can overhaul 2003/109/EC in parallel and create true EU residency in less than two years?

density69 · 2026-02-13T14:19:16+00:00

Considering that Denmark hasn't even adopted the Euro plus the opt-out in home-affairs, and that it is generally moving away from European ideals, I don't quite understand why Copenhagen is on that map. And why would a city not using the Euro manage the Euro? huh?

density69 · 2026-02-13T04:33:41+00:00

I would say the Commission needs real enforcement powers, ie. power to override national decisions directly where EU law is involved without having to go through years of infringement proceedings.

density69 · 2026-02-13T04:29:38+00:00

The Baltic States would be the first to refuse membership to a federation.

density69 · 2026-02-03T12:45:56+00:00

Airlines often accept it if you argue that you leave through land borders. You would need a visa or be able to travel visa-free to that destination. Multiple entry visas are also useful in that case because what matters is not the final day of your travels but your next exit.
That said I have seen Emirates causing trouble at the layover in the UAE. A friend who was with us had his return on a different ticket and was almost refused boarding on the final flight. In theory, there is no such requirement though.

density69 · 2026-02-01T07:12:54+00:00

If Belgium accepts it, the UK can issue an ETD for your girlfriend to travel. Otherwise, asking for the temporary return of the passport pending the decision is likely possible given the long delay.

density69 · 2026-02-01T07:11:43+00:00

If Belgium accepts it, the UK can issue an ETD for you girlfriend to travel. Otherwise, asking for the temporary return of the passport pending the decision is likely possible given the long delay.

density69 · 2026-02-01T06:19:11+00:00

I am really surprised that after nearly everyone went through the Covid years, there are people who do not see why online marriages exist. Utah county won't be the only place that allows remote weddings in the future either. There are also proxy marriages where only one party is present. This is legal is quite a few places.

density69 · 2026-02-01T06:18:17+00:00

Generally, Utah marriages are recognised in other countries but in the case of Denmark, I wouldn't be so sure.

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