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Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán grants all EU countries opt-out for asylum

by AI | 08.Oct 2024 | Europe in brief AI

Orbán calls the Netherlands a civilized country and gladly goes along that path.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Photo: Miguel Medina/AFP

STRASBOURG (ANP) – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán believes that every EU member state should be able to conduct its own asylum and migration policy. Therefore, following the example of the Netherlands, Hungary has submitted an official opt-out request to the European Commission. If the EU member states want to maintain the common migration policy, that is “acceptable,” said Orbán. But countries that oppose it should be granted an opt-out. “Otherwise, we will destroy the European Union,” Orbán said during a press conference at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Hungary “completely disagrees with the approach to migration policy and we oppose it,” said Orbán. “We are trying not to implement the crazy rules that would destroy Hungarian culture. That’s why we oppose.”

“But resistance is beautiful and fighting is good too, but sooner or later you have to find an exit,” he added. He sees no other solution in the current “minefield” than an opt-out.

Orbán said he was pleased that the Netherlands was the first to request an opt-out. This was done by the Dutch Minister Marjolein Faber (PVV, Asylum and Migration). “You are not as barbaric as we are from the Far East. So, if you bring an opt-out to the agenda, it is a civilized action,” Orbán replied to questions from ANP. During his over 1.5-hour press conference, Orbán frequently spoke self-mockingly about himself and Hungary, as he knows that many European countries detest him and his country.

“So we are happy to participate and follow your path.” It is unclear whether Hungary will take the initiative for such a treaty change. Now that Hungary, like the Netherlands, has submitted an official request, “we will discuss how we are going to do it”. Step by step. “We probably also need to talk about the treaty, but let’s discuss our request first.”

With an opt-out on European asylum and migration policy, a member state does not have to adhere to EU rules but may pursue its own policy. For an opt-out, or exceptional position, the EU treaty must be amended. All member states must also agree to an opt-out. That is currently considered impossible.

(October 8, 2024)