Hungary is facing a significant financial penalty from the European Court of Justice for systematically ignoring EU asylum rules. The ECJ has ordered Hungary to pay a lump sum of €200 million due to the country’s long-standing restrictions on the right to asylum. In addition, Hungary will have to pay €1 million for each day of delay, with the money being deducted from Hungary’s allocated share of the EU budget. The dispute stems from a December 2020 ruling in which the court found that Hungary, under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, had severely limited access to asylum procedures for those seeking international protection in the country. This included keeping asylum seekers in detention-like conditions in so-called “transit zones” and forcibly escorting them back out of Hungary.
Despite the ruling and numerous warnings from the European Commission, Hungary continued to ignore its obligations under EU law. The European Commission initiated new legal action, leading to Thursday’s judgment against Hungary. The ECJ found that Hungary’s actions constitute a serious breach of EU law, as the country is deliberately evading the application of the bloc’s asylum legislation. This behavior not only impacts the rights of asylum seekers but also undermines the unity of EU law and the principle of solidarity among member states. The legal breach by Hungary puts additional pressure on nearby member states, who must care for migrants unlawfully expelled by Budapest.
In response to the ECJ’s decision, Prime Minister Orbán described the ruling as “outrageous and unacceptable.” He criticized the prioritization of illegal migrants over European citizens by Brussels. The European Commission stated that it would reach out to Hungary to inquire about how the country plans to comply with the ruling. If Hungary fails to pay the daily fine of €1 million, the Commission will deduct the amount from Hungary’s allocated EU funds using the “offsetting procedure.” Additionally, Hungary is required to pay the €200 million lump sum regardless of its response to the ruling.
Since coming to power, Prime Minister Orbán has taken a hard-line stance on migration, exacerbating tensions with the European Union. Hungary’s refusal to adhere to EU asylum rules has led to this significant financial penalty. The European Commission’s actions demonstrate the importance of upholding EU law and ensuring that member states comply with their obligations. This ruling serves as a reminder that all EU member states must respect the principles of asylum and solidarity to maintain the unity of the European Union.
