Call for Protecting EU’s External Borders
The EU continues to prioritize migration management over border protection, according to Hungarian official Bence Rétvári. After the meeting of EU interior ministers, Rétvári expressed concern that Brussels is focusing on ineffective measures for migration management.
The EU is currently working on finalizing the details of the migration and asylum pact adopted in December by introducing nine pieces of legislation. These proposals include the distribution of illegal migrants among member states based on quotas, financial penalties for countries refusing to accept migrants, and a rule suggesting that 28.3% of illegal migrants’ applications should be processed in Hungary. This could potentially lead to the establishment of migrant camps at the Hungarian border.
Mr. Rétvári emphasized Hungary’s belief that the EU should focus on protecting its external borders and defending the European continent. He expressed concern that Brussels seems committed to its misguided decisions, not only on migration but also in the context of the war in Ukraine. Rétvári also suggested that Brussels’ sanctions policy has failed, causing suffering across Europe, yet it is still hailed as a success in Brussels.
In conclusion, he expressed confidence that the upcoming European Parliament elections in June could bring about the necessary transformation that is needed. This interview reveals the ongoing tension and disagreement over migration management and border protection within the EU.
