Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban Rejects EU Migration Pact, Vows Non-Implementation

Orban Denounces EU Migration Decision

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has vehemently rejected the European Union's latest migration decision, characterizing it as an 'absurd and unjust attack' on his country. Speaking on December 9 and 10, 2025, Orban declared that Hungary would not implement the measure, deepening a long-standing dispute between Budapest and Brussels over migration policy.

Details of the EU Migration Pact

The decision in question refers to the Pact on Migration and Asylum, also known as the EU Migration Pact or the EU Asylum and Migration Pact. This comprehensive set of rules aims to streamline asylum and border procedures and ensure a more equitable distribution of asylum seekers across member states. Under the pact, which is set to take effect in member states by June 12, 2026, countries are mandated to either accept migrants relocated from other EU nations or provide a financial contribution for each individual they decline to take in. The proposed financial penalty for refusing to accept a migrant is €20,000. The 2026 solidarity pool, designed to support frontline countries, is equivalent to 21,000 relocations or alternative solidarity measures, or €420 million in financial contributions.

Hungary's Firm Stance

Prime Minister Orban has been unequivocal in his opposition, stating that Hungary 'will not take a single migrant in, and we will not pay for others' migrants.' He reiterated his government's commitment to resisting the plan, asserting, 'I want to make it absolutely clear once and for all that as long as Hungary has a national government, we will not implement this outrageous decision.' Orban dismissed the European Commission's assertion that Hungary is not significantly affected by the migration crisis as 'outrageous' and 'completely detached from reality.' He highlighted Hungary's efforts in protecting the EU's external border, noting that 'tens of thousands' of illegal crossing attempts are thwarted annually by its border fence and guards. He also pointed out that Brussels has previously imposed a €1 million per day fine on Hungary for non-compliance with asylum directives.

Potential Repercussions and Broader Opposition

The European Commission has indicated that it may initiate infringement proceedings against Hungary for breaching EU law. Such proceedings could lead to a case before the European Court of Justice and subsequent fines, which, if unpaid, could be deducted from EU subsidies. Magnus Brunner, the European Commission's commissioner for migration, expressed regret over Hungary's stance, emphasizing that all member states are expected to comply with the new rules. Hungary is not alone in its opposition; Poland and Slovakia have also voiced strong objections to the pact, and the new right-wing government in the Czech Republic has indicated it will reject it.

Ongoing Dispute

The Hungarian government's steadfast refusal to implement the EU Migration Pact underscores the deep divisions within the bloc regarding migration policy. Orban's administration maintains that its approach, which includes robust border protection and strict asylum procedures, is effective and serves national interests. The confrontation sets the stage for continued legal and political battles between Hungary and the European Union as the pact's implementation date approaches.