Magyar to Extend Migration Measures Despite EU Pressure

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced on Saturday that his government will extend emergency migration measures until 31 December, according to the website Euractiv. The policy aimed at combating mass migration has been in effect since 2015 and is renewed every six months.

Among other things, the measures allow for the return of asylum seekers from the Hungarian border and require them to apply for protection at Hungarian diplomatic missions in neighboring Serbia or Ukraine. Magyar also justified the decision by citing the situation in Ceuta, Spain, noting that migration routes change rapidly and that smugglers can exploit any legal loophole.

Budapest's approach has led to long-standing disputes with Brussels and a 2024 fine from the Court of Justice of the European Union of €200m ($232m), which increases by €1m ($1.16m) daily. Magyar, who won the election in April, is trying to avoid the penalty but maintains a hardline stance.

He says Hungary is protecting the EU's external borders and hopes that, as part of negotiations on the seven-year budget, he will recover the accumulated fines totaling €1bn ($1.16bn), which he attributes to the recklessness of the previous government.

Months of negotiations with Brussels have so far failed to yield a breakthrough, as he considers the EU's proposals insufficiently strict. However, Magyar intends to establish a legal framework in the coming weeks that will protect both Hungary's borders and its citizens' money.

(max)