Hungary Stands Firm Against EU Migration Pact
Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó declared on Sunday that the country will not admit a single migrant in 2026 and will not contribute financially to the European Union's migration pact. The announcement, made via a Facebook post, underscores Hungary's consistent opposition to the EU's common asylum system, which is slated to come into force in July 2026.
Szijjártó stated, 'just as in 2025, we will not allow a single migrant to enter Hungary in 2026, nor will we pay a single forint of Hungarian taxpayers' money to accommodate migrants from other EU countries.' He characterized the upcoming implementation of the pact as 'one of the biggest battles of 2026,' describing it as an 'outright absurd' attempt by Brussels to compel Hungarians to pay for migration.
The EU Migration Pact and Hungary's Objections
The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, approved by EU governments in May 2024 despite opposition from Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, aims to distribute asylum seekers more evenly across member states and streamline border and asylum procedures.
A key component of the pact is a 'compulsory solidarity' mechanism. This obliges member states to either accept a quota of migrants, make a financial contribution of €20,000 per refused migrant, or provide alternative support such as staff or in-kind assistance. Hungary views this as an 'impossible choice: pay or admit migrants.'
Hungarian officials, including Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, have consistently rejected the pact, arguing it would lead to:
- The creation of 'migrant ghettos' within Hungary.
- A deterioration of security and the breakdown of societal fabric, similar to what they perceive in Western European countries.
- Increased threats of terrorism.
Hungary has maintained that asylum applications should be processed at the EU's borders, with applicants remaining outside EU territory until a decision is made.
Historical Context and Ongoing Fines
Hungary has long adopted a stringent anti-immigration stance, characterized by the construction of border fences and strict controls on asylum procedures since the 2015 migration crisis. Foreign Minister Szijjártó highlighted that Hungary built its border fence at its own expense and has defended the EU's external border for over a decade. Despite these efforts, Hungary is currently facing fines, reportedly 1 million euros each day, for refusing to admit refugees.
The Hungarian government asserts that its firm stance is crucial for preserving national sovereignty and security. Prime Minister Orbán has previously stated that 'as long as Hungary has a patriotic government, we will not implement the Migration Pact.' This position aligns with a broader sentiment in Hungary that opposes what it considers to be forced migration policies from Brussels.
5 Comments
Bella Ciao
Hungary's stance on processing asylum applications outside EU borders has merit for security, but the current pact is an attempt to create a more humane and structured system. Their absolute rejection might prevent improvements that could benefit all members, including themselves.
Habibi
They want the benefits of the EU but none of the responsibilities. Unacceptable.
Africa
While Hungary has valid concerns about national sovereignty and border control, completely opting out of the pact could damage long-term EU cooperation. A unified approach, even if imperfect, might be more effective than isolation.
Muchacho
The fears of societal breakdown and increased terrorism are serious, and Hungary is right to prioritize its citizens' safety. Yet, the EU's 'compulsory solidarity' mechanism is designed to prevent any single country from being overwhelmed, which is a shared goal.
Coccinella
Finally, a country putting its own citizens first. Others should follow.