Viktor Orbán’s defying declaration: Hungary will not pay EU fines!
Viktor Orbán and the Hungarian government’s asylum policies have long been criticised within the EU, as they often contradict EU regulations. The EU Commission has stressed that respecting EU rules on migration and asylum is a shared responsibility of all member states, as the transfer of the problem from one country to another threatens EU unity and solidarity.
A few months ago, Hungary received a EUR 200 million payment notice from Brussels, requiring the government to pay the asylum fine within 45 days. This fine was due to non-compliance with EU migration rules. The country also owes Brussels EUR 1 million for every day it does not pay the fine. Hungary had until 31 October to comply with the 45-day payment notice sent by the European Commission on 13 September. By the end of the summer, EUR 93 million had been collected in daily fines.
The EUR 1 million a day fine was reached in three months and the penalty was ordered following a 2020 ruling by the European Court of Justice. According to Szabad Európa, this follows Hungary’s failure to comply with changes to its asylum system, which has now led the European Commission to consistently enforce the payment notices.
Photo: FB/Orbán
Viktor Orbán’s letter to the EU
Days before the deadline, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán sent a letter to the European Commission, which hinted that Hungary might resist paying. Although the letter’s details haven’t been disclosed, the Commission’s response pointed to Hungary’s obligation to comply, with a spokesperson reminding Member States that EU court rulings are binding. If Hungary misses payments, the debt will increase, leaving Hungary with little choice but to settle it or face more severe financial penalties.
According to Euronews, Hungary’s next deadline is set on the 18th of November, when an additional EUR 60 million fine will be added, potentially bringing Hungary’s debt to EUR 150 million by mid-November. If unpaid, the Commission could deduct these funds from Hungary’s future cohesion funding, as it has done before with other penalties.
Photo: Daily News Hungary
Fines and penalties inside the EU
In the European Union, a Member State does not have the right to refuse to pay a fine imposed by the European Court of Justice, to change the amount of the fine or to change the conditions set by the court. A spokesman for the European Commission made it clear that Member States must comply with EU court rulings or the daily fine will continue to increase. This is to ensure that member states take responsibility for enforcing court judgments and avoid possible further sanctions.
By imposing a fine of EUR 1 million a day, the European Union is trying to force Hungary to bring its legislation into line with EU standards. The fine will remain in place until Hungary makes substantial changes to its asylum system. The European Commission will keep a close eye on payment deadlines and is ready to withdraw additional funds if Hungary does not settle its debts.
According to the Hungarian government, the European Union owes Hungary approximately EUR 2 billion for border protection expenses incurred since 2015. As Portfolio reported back in August, the Hungarian government argues that EU institutions have been launching politically charged criticisms regarding Hungary’s border security measures. In light of this, they view the EUR 200 million fine imposed by the European Commission as part of ongoing pressure tactics.
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3 Comments
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
This is a “defying declaration”? Who ever thought that the Orban lead government would agree to pay the fine? And, who in their right mind thinks that the Orban regime is going to change its approach in dealing with EU matters? Cooperate with the EU? Are you daft?
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
Hungary is going to have it all deducted from its’ cohesion funds. It’s hundreds of millions of euros Hungary will lose all because of Orban’s vanity. Those funds could have been used to fund social programs in Hungary and the people will now suffer because of Orban and Fidesz as they are for the other billions of euros that have been withheld from Hungary over Rule Of Law non-compliance. It’s “buntetés” that everyone gets. Just leave the EU and Hungary can stop playing these games and just wallow in its’ self created failure.
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
The Courts of the European Courts of Justice – these MATTERS have been judged and RULED – not in FAVOUR of Hungary.
Victor Mihaly. Orban and his “Heinous” Fidesz Government – nearing the MIGHT of WRATH – on the “ill fated” name Orban and his Fidesz Government, from the European Union – RIGHTFULLY.
The – Rule of Law – but Orban – his Fidesz Government continue to position themselves FOOLISHLY, that increases the reputation the DAMAGE on the name – Hungary – that is “Heinous”.
Orban – his Fidesz Government – judged of guilt through Fraud – through Non-Compliance to the Laws – the Rules of being a Member of the European Union – Appalling.
Orban – his Fidesz Government – under SOVEREIGNTY – there WRONGFULLY adapted stance / position, not CONFIDING – practicing, that in Membership of the European Union, segments of / parts of SOVEREIGNTY – in the “Bible” of a country, have to – need to – in COMPLIANCE to Membership of the European Union – LAWS of Membership – be removed/ retired – archived, and not be nor be – a matter of Legal contractual argument /contest, like in the case of Orban and his Fidesz Government continue to WRONGFULLY – humiliate, embarrass them-selves as a Government and US Hungary.
Orban – this COMMUNICATION to “all & sundry” especially country’s globally outside Europe who are Governed under Democracy – adds FURTHER Fuel, the DANGER – this individual factually is to DEMOCRACY.
WORSENING times ahead for Hungary, that the Solidarity of us, the citizens – in what we want – individually and as a country – expect from a Government – highlighting in Facts with Evidence – after 16 years in Government, the WRONGFULNESS of Orban and his Fidesz Government – that have SMASHED – moving deeper, into a Perilous, or one of OBILIVIATION us Hungary, – that factually sees us as a country, in a state of Economic and Financial – inclusive of Infrastructure – CHAOS.
Repulsive and Deplorable.