Fidesz MEP Balázs Hidvéghi said the mandatory distribution of migrants based on quotas has caused a problem for several years in Europe.
Speaking to public radio in connection with the new EU asylum and migration package, Hidvéghi said the new package would allow the European Council to make decisions on matters that impact the lives of Hungarians in the long term. Further rounds of trilateral consultations can be expected to be held by the European Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament, Hidvéghi said, adding that after further debates in the EP, the package might pass which “goes openly against the national interests of member states”. He noted that Hungary and Poland had voted against the migration pact several times with Czechia, Slovakia and Austria either abstaining or voting against. Hidvéghi called it a serious problem that the package which affects “a broad spectrum of society” could be passed with a qualified majority instead of a unanimous decision. “Illegal migration has become one of the biggest challenges for Europe. Strong border protection, political will and agreements concluded with countries from where migrants are coming are the response to the increasing pressure posed by migration at Hungary’s borders,” he said. Hidvéghi called the stabilisation of the Balkans important also through the integration of countries in the region that are not yet members of the EU.