In a landmark decision, the European Court of Justice has fined Hungary 200 million euros for non-compliance with European Union asylum laws, with an additional 1 million euros per day for each day of delayed compliance. The ruling, which follows a previous judgment in December 2020, underscores the court’s stance that Hungary’s restrictive immigration policies represent an ‘unprecedented and extremely serious infringement of EU law’.Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has responded to the ruling with defiance, labeling the fines as ‘scandalous and unacceptable’ and maintaining that Hungary’s actions are in defense of the EU’s borders. The court’s decision is seen as a significant blow to Hungary’s anti-immigrant government, which has taken a hard line on immigration since 2015, erecting border fences and trying to stop many from entering. The fines imposed are intended to ensure Hungary’s compliance with the EU’s solidarity principle and the equitable sharing of responsibilities among member states regarding asylum seekers.The Hungarian government claims it is no longer required to implement the 2020 ruling as it has already closed ‘transit zones’ and tightened rules to prevent future asylum seekers from entering the country. However, the court has given Hungary until July 1 to comply with the ruling, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the need for Hungary to align with EU policies on international protection and the return of illegal migrants.
Key points
- Hungary fined 200 million euros by European Court of Justice for failing to comply with EU asylum laws.
- Daily fine of 1 million euros imposed until Hungary amends its asylum legislation in accordance with EU law.
- Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticizes the EU’s decision as punitive for Hungary’s border protection efforts.
