Media reports Hungary threatening EU due to unreasonable migrant fine
Date
6/23/2024 8:41:34 AM
(MENAFN) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has issued strong objections and threats of retaliation against the European Union following a EUR200 million (USD216 million) fine imposed by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) over Hungary's asylum policies, according to reports from national media.
The ECJ's decision on Thursday accused the Orban government of deliberately avoiding compliance with European Union refugee laws, marking a significant escalation in tensions between Budapest and Brussels. In addition to the substantial fine, the court ordered Hungary to pay an additional EUR1 million per day until it adjusts its policies to align with European Union regulations.
Reacting swiftly to the ruling, Prime Minister Orban condemned the decision as "outrageous and unacceptable" in a social media post, suggesting that Brussels prioritizes illegal migrants over European citizens. His comments underscored Hungary's deep dissatisfaction with the ECJ's judgement, which he described as unprecedented and exorbitant.
In an interview with Radio Kossuth, Orban reportedly hinted at retaliatory measures against the European Union, emphasizing that Hungary would seek actions that would inflict greater discomfort on Brussels than on Budapest. Although specifics were not provided, Hungarian news outlets quoted Orban characterizing the fine as "a huge amount" and labeling the decision as "insane."
The legal dispute traces back to a 2020 ECJ ruling which found Hungary in violation of European Union laws by restricting access to international protection procedures, detaining asylum seekers unlawfully, and conducting illegal deportations of third-country nationals. Despite closing transit zones since the initial ruling, Hungary has not fully complied with the requirements set forth by the ECJ, prompting the latest punitive measures which the court warned could threaten European Union law unity.
Orban's defiant stance against the European Union's judicial authority highlights Hungary's ongoing resistance to what it perceives as overreach from Brussels, particularly regarding migration policies that have been a source of contention within the bloc. The escalating tensions between Hungary and the European Union underscore broader challenges to European unity and adherence to common legal standards.
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