Brussels mayor Philippe Close has strongly criticized Hungary’s recent plan to bus illegal migrants from the Hungarian-Serbian border to Brussels. In an interview with Euronews, Close made it clear that the Belgian government, in coordination with Prime Minister Alexander de Croo, is prepared to block these buses if they ever leave Hungary. Close emphasized that Brussels will not be “held hostage” by Hungary’s provocative actions.
Close dismissed Hungary’s plan to offer migrants a “one-way ticket” to Brussels, calling it an empty threat. He stated that it would be nearly impossible for these buses to even reach Brussels, as they would need to pass through multiple European borders, including Germany and Belgium. He expressed confidence that the buses would not depart Hungary in the first place, viewing the proposal as an act of political provocation by Viktor Orbán’s far-right government.
Belgian Secretary of State for Migration, Nicole de Moor, has also vowed to take immediate action if the buses ever leave Hungary, saying they would be sent back. Close strongly condemned Hungary’s behavior, stating that this is not how politics should be conducted. He warned that if Hungary continues down this path, it will face significant consequences, including pressure from the European Union.
The European Commission has also expressed concern, stating that Hungary’s actions could be a violation of EU law. A Commission spokesperson confirmed that they are ready to take retaliatory action if necessary and are in contact with Hungary and neighboring countries about the situation. The spokesperson reiterated that EU law must be respected, and any breach will not go unchallenged.
The conflict between Hungary and Brussels has been escalating in recent months. Hungary’s proposal is seen as retaliation for a €200 million fine imposed by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in June for Hungary’s 2020 asylum policies, which restrict the right to seek asylum. The Court also ordered Hungary to pay an additional €1 million per day until it aligns its policies with EU regulations. Hungary has refused to pay the fine, with Prime Minister Orbán calling it “outrageous” and accusing the EU of prioritizing migrants over its own citizens.
Hungary’s plan to bus migrants to Brussels has further deepened tensions between Orbán’s government and European institutions. Despite Hungary holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, tasked with finding consensus, its actions have been seen as divisive and politically charged. While Hungary’s Minister Gergely Gulyás has stated that the plan is to offer a free, voluntary trip to Brussels for those who have received political asylum, there has been no concrete timeline for when or if the buses will depart.
At the same time, Hungary’s State Secretary Bence Rétvári unveiled the buses meant to transport migrants, accusing the EU of double standards for fining Hungary while other countries, like Germany, impose temporary border controls. No buses have yet been dispatched, and it remains uncertain when Hungary will act on its threats.