European Affairs Minister János Bóka of Hungary has stated that the country is willing to enforce a recent ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) that declared restrictions on asylum rights in the country unlawful. However, Bóka has also stated that Hungary will not pay the €200 million fine imposed by the court, which grows by the day. The European Commission has triggered a special procedure to deduct the sum from EU funds as a response to Hungary’s failure to comply with the ruling. Bóka has indicated that Hungary is open to engaging with Brussels in a constructive manner to ensure compliance with the ECJ ruling.
The European Court of Justice found in June that Hungary had committed a serious legal breach by making it nearly impossible for asylum seekers to submit claims for international protection. Judges imposed a €200 million fine on Hungary, along with an additional €1 million for each day that the wrongdoing continued. The European Commission has been met with continued silence from Hungary in response to numerous demands for compliance. Brussels has already frozen a portion of Hungary’s EU funds due to concerns of democratic backsliding in the country.
Bóka has indicated that Hungary will not pay the financial penalty imposed by the EU courts and that the Commission has other tools at its disposal to recuperate the sum. He has also stated that Hungary is exploring legal possibilities to offset certain expenses incurred in the protection of the border against the penalty. Despite the ongoing dispute, Bóka’s comments suggest a willingness to settle the issue before penalties escalate further. The Commission has already requested €93 million and could demand more if Hungary continues to defy the ruling.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has criticized the fine imposed by the EU courts as “outrageous and unacceptable” and has increased his eurosceptic rhetoric. Members of his government have also stirred controversy by threatening to bus migrants to Brussels. Despite the tensions between Hungary and the EU, Bóka’s comments indicate a desire to resolve the dispute through discussions and negotiations. The Minister has met with EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson to discuss the technicalities and channels of communication regarding compliance with the ECJ ruling.
The European Commission has stated that it will use all available tools to ensure that Hungary pays the financial penalty imposed by the European Court of Justice. Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders emphasized that implementing the court’s decision is the responsibility of the Commission. The ongoing dispute highlights the challenges of ensuring compliance with EU laws and regulations, particularly in countries where there are concerns about democratic backsliding. The willingness of Hungary to engage in discussions with Brussels suggests a potential path towards resolving the issue and avoiding further escalation of penalties.
