Hungary’s decision to ask for an exemption from the European Union’s (EU) asylum and migration rules has sparked a heated debate.
By doing this, Hungary, like the Netherlands, is pushing back against the EU’s joint approach to handling migration.
This action brings national sovereignty to the forefront and raises doubts about the future of the EU’s migration policies as new rules take shape.
Hungary’s position on migration rules
Hungary’s stance is largely driven by a desire to take back control over migration policies.
Minister for EU Affairs János Bóka stressed that regaining national control is key to handling illegal migration and protecting national security.
He said that current EU rules fall short, causing divisions in the Schengen Area as many countries reintroduce border checks due to migration issues.
Although Hungary seeks an exemption from EU rules, it still intends to meet its Schengen obligations. This shows the country is not entirely rejecting EU principles but is asking for more leeway.
Hungary has also introduced measures like the “National Card” procedure to simplify processes for some nationals while claiming to follow EU laws.
Legal actions escalate tensions
The European Commission has stepped up legal action against Hungary over its “national sovereignty law,” increasing tensions.
The lawsuit, filed over alleged violations of fundamental rights, shows the EU’s concern that Hungary’s stance could threaten shared values. Critics say that the law could silence dissent and weaken democracy in the country.
Meanwhile, Hungary’s refusal to follow new EU asylum laws has led to large fines, which it will not pay.
The Commission’s readiness to enforce these penalties shows its firm approach to compliance, setting the stage for more heated negotiations.
(Image courtesy of PeskyMonkey via iStock)
Reviewing refugee and asylum policies
The Hungarian Council Presidency’s recent talks on reviewing refugee protection have also raised concerns.
The government proposed looking at factors like changes in a refugee’s home country’s politics or trips back there to decide if they still qualify for protection.
This idea, already used in some EU countries, aims to align different national practices but could also reduce protections for refugees.
Hungary also suggested changes for rejected asylum seekers who cannot be deported, seeking to unify national approaches and cut red tape.
However, these steps could leave many asylum seekers stuck in legal uncertainty, possibly facing long stays in poor conditions while waiting for a decision.
Visitor rules shift
Hungary’s actions could make travel and residency in the EU more complicated for both short-term and long-term visitors.
With new EU asylum rules designed to simplify the process, Hungary’s request to opt out could lead to differences in how these rules are applied.
This might impact tourists, temporary workers, and students, who could face different migration rules depending on the country.
The upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which requires visa-free travelers to get pre-approval for entry, could also be affected.
While ETIAS aims to improve border security and manage migration, Hungary’s break from some EU standards could create uneven rules across Schengen countries, weakening the system’s goal of a consistent migration policy.
(Image courtesy of querbeet via iStock)
Fragmentation fears in EU
Hungary’s push for more national control could greatly impact EU immigration policy. By rejecting some common rules, Hungary and other countries like the Netherlands could lead to a more divided policy landscape.
This division might disrupt the EU’s attempts to build a unified asylum policy and encourage other nations to seek similar exemptions.
The debate also involves how willing EU countries are to accept refugees and asylum seekers under new rules.
Hungary’s call for lower standards of rights and protections could gain support from states facing migration challenges, potentially leading to stricter national control over asylum procedures.
A test for EU solidarity
Hungary’s request to opt out challenges the EU’s unity on migration and asylum policies. Ongoing legal battles and different national interests suggest that reaching agreement may be difficult.
As new rules emerge and the ETIAS is introduced, the EU will face a test of its ability to keep a unified migration policy.
The result could have lasting effects on how Europe manages migration, raising key issues about national control, shared responsibility, and the rights of migrants and refugees across the region.
Source link : https://etias.com/articles/hungary%E2%80%99s-opt-out-from-eu-migration-policy-sparks-migration-policy-debate
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Publish date : 2024-10-18 01:51:00
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