Hungary has been at the forefront of protecting the European Union's external borders since 2015, implementing stringent measures to curb illegal migration. Despite these efforts, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) imposed a €200 million fine on Hungary in June, citing non-compliance with EU asylum laws. Additionally, a daily penalty of €1 million was mandated until Hungary aligns its policies with EU directives.
At the time, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán condemned the ruling as "outrageous and unacceptable," asserting that Hungary would not yield to "financial blackmail by Brussels bureaucrats." He emphasized our commitment to border protection and the safety of Hungarian citizens.
This same sentiment is now echoed by Justice Minister Bence Tuzson, labeling the ECJ's decision as "outrageous" and highlighting Hungary's steadfast position that its migration policies comply with international expectations. Minister Tuzson criticized the court for failing to justify the severity of the fine, which significantly exceeded the European Commission's initial request. He also raised concerns about the arbitrary selection of judges in the case, suggesting a violation of the right to a lawful judge.
In response, Hungary is preparing to take legal action against the European Union, seeking compensation for damages resulting from the ECJ's ruling. Minister Tuzson indicated that the government is consulting international law firms to pursue this claim, emphasizing that the EU owes Hungary reparations for the financial burdens incurred while safeguarding the EU's external borders.
Since 2015, Hungary has invested approximately €2 billion in border protection efforts, a cost borne largely without substantial EU financial support. This investment has been pivotal in maintaining the security of not only Hungary but the entire European Union. The imposition of fines, rather than offering compensation, undermines the principle of shared responsibility within the EU.
The Hungarian government remains resolute in its stance against illegal migration, prioritizing the safety and security of its citizens. As Prime Minister Orbán stated, "We will protect the borders and protect the Hungarian people." The forthcoming legal challenge aims to rectify what Hungary perceives as an unjust penalty and to reaffirm its commitment to upholding the sovereignty and security of the nation.