On June 14, 2024, the European Union‘s top court imposed a €200 million ($216 million) fine on Hungary, along with a daily penalty of one million euros, for not adhering to the bloc’s asylum laws and illegally deporting migrants. This decision has been met with strong opposition from Hungary, which labeled the ruling as “unacceptable.”
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) stated that Hungary is “deliberately evading” its obligations under European Union laws, despite a 2020 ruling that mandated Hungary to follow international procedures for asylum seekers. The court emphasized that Hungary’s actions represent an “unprecedented and exceptionally serious breach of EU law,” warranting the substantial fine and daily penalty.
Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, who often clashes with Brussels, expressed his outrage on social media. He criticized the ECJ’s decision, arguing that the fines punish Hungary for defending the EU’s borders. Orban suggested that Brussels bureaucrats prioritize illegal migrants over European citizens.
Hungary, along with Poland and the Czech Republic, has previously been condemned by EU courts for refusing to accept a quota of refugees as part of the bloc’s 2015 program. Prime Minister Orban remains staunchly opposed to allowing asylum seekers into Hungary, despite EU and international laws that require countries to consider individual protection requests. The European Court of Justice noted that Hungary continues to limit migrants’ access to formally applying for asylum and denies their right to stay in Hungary while their applications are processed.
The European Commission requested the fine against Hungary, arguing that its actions seriously undermine the principle of solidarity and the fair sharing of responsibility among EU member states. The court supported this request, highlighting the importance of compliance with EU asylum laws.
By December, EU member countries must present national plans for implementing new asylum rules set to take effect in 2026. These rules aim to strengthen the bloc’s borders against irregular migrants, streamline vetting procedures, and accelerate deportations for those ineligible for asylum. Additionally, new border centers will be established to hold migrants while their asylum applications are reviewed.
The new regulations also mandate that EU countries take in a share of asylum-seekers from “frontline” states like Italy and Greece or provide financial and other resources to these nations. Hungary has resisted these rules, particularly the requirement to accept asylum-seekers or offer support to frontline states, arguing that its hardline approach is essential for protecting the European Union.