The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has imposed a €200 million fine and a daily penalty of €1 million on Hungary for failing to comply with EU asylum regulations. This significant ruling underscores Hungary’s persistent refusal to adhere to EU laws regarding the treatment of asylum seekers.
The fine follows Hungary’s continuous evasion of EU rules since a 2020 ECJ decision mandated that it must align its asylum procedures with international standards. The ECJ highlighted that Hungary, under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government, has been unlawfully deporting migrants and obstructing their access to asylum processes.
The court’s statement emphasized the gravity of Hungary’s actions, describing them as “an unprecedented and exceptionally serious breach of EU law.” The imposed penalties reflect the EU’s commitment to uphold principles of solidarity and fair responsibility sharing among member states.
Orbán’s administration has faced criticism for its stringent stance on immigration, which resonates with his far-right Fidesz party’s platform. Despite recent EU elections showing Fidesz as the leading party, their support has waned to 47.4%.
The ruling comes amid the EU’s broader efforts to reform its asylum system, with new regulations set to take effect in 2026. These regulations aim to streamline border controls, expedite asylum procedures, and redistribute the burden of handling asylum seekers across member states. Hungary has been a vocal opponent of these reforms, particularly the requirement for countries to either accept asylum seekers from states like Italy and Greece or provide financial support.
This decision by the ECJ highlights the ongoing tensions between national sovereignty and EU-wide obligations regarding asylum policies, setting a precedent for enforcement against non-compliance within the union.
