Minister: Europe’s refugee, immigration systems ‘not working’

Written by BT/MTI

The European Union’s refugee and immigration systems “are clearly not working”, Hungary’s EU affairs minister said on Facebook on Friday, and called for “legal and political reviews”.

Janos Boka reiterated that he told Austria’s Kurier in an interview that the European systems “could avoid a total meltdown thanks also to Hungary’s efforts in terms of protecting the borders.”

Concerning the EC’s fine imposed on Hungary “because of Hungary’s incessant efforts”, the minister said “it would cost a much higher amount than the fine if the country lost control over its borders and could no longer determine whom to allow to enter.”

The EU should act “as an independent strategic player” in connection with the war in Ukraine, Boka said, adding that it was “extremely important that it should have direct communication channels at its disposal to all relevant parties.” “Hungary, as a neighbour of Ukraine and especially impacted by the economic aspects of the war, has the right to actively participate in efforts aimed at finding a solution.”

The Hungarian government will continue meeting its “international and EU obligations” concerning Ukrainian asylum seekers in Hungary, the EU affairs minister said.