Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has demanded in writing that the European Union reimburse Hungary for its border protection costs, noting that the country has prevented the entry of more than one million illegal migrants since 2015, yet faces daily fines of one million euros from Brussels, according to news portal index.hu.
PM Orbán wrote a sharply worded letter to von der Leyen
Index noted in its article published late on Monday that Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, held a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the steel fence erected on the Belarusian border on Aug 31, and she said the EU “takes the threat from the East seriously”, adding that the EU would accelerate the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) defence credit program, mobilising 150 billion euros for member states, including for defence and arms industry development.
After the press conference in Poland, Orbán wrote to von der Leyen, welcoming her statement and stating: “I read with interest your statement in Poland that physical barriers protecting the EU’s external borders are a shared responsibility.”
“Over the past ten years, Hungary has protected a significant section of the Schengen Area’s border, financed solely from our national budget. Hungary has repeatedly requested reimbursement for these expenses from the European Commission. However, instead of political or financial support, Hungary has faced continuous criticism and has been obliged to pay an unprecedented daily fine of one million euros,” Orbán wrote.
- Orbán threatens with EU collapse, announces his “victory plan” and drops a threat
Migration weaponised
Hungary expects the same recognition as other member states and financial support for keeping one million migrants out of the bloc, he said, noting that “many member states under significant migration pressure have decided to build physical barriers along their external borders to protect their national security and the safety of their citizens.”
Not only do state actors weaponise migration, but organised criminal groups involved in human trafficking, who have links to terrorist organisations “and are consciously or unconsciously supported by NGOs seeking to bring masses of illegal migrants into the Schengen area via the Western Balkans route” also present a threat to the EU, he wrote.
- Orbán announced national consultation on issue Tisza already refuted
Millions may set out from Africa at any time
He added that fresh forecasts suggest that millions of potential migrants “could set out from Africa at any time”.
Orbán urged the commission to provide financial aid to border member states without discrimination. “Hungary remains committed to European solidarity and will continue to fight for common European values by protecting the Schengen border and the safety of our citizens,” the prime minister added.
Index noted that a copy of the letter was sent to every member of the European Council, indicating Orbán intends to raise the issue before a broader European audience.
Click for more news concerning Hungary’s border control.
What about money for every people smuggler they have released from Hungarians prison?
That’s right!
Instead, the E.U. is punishing us by withholding billions of dollars of our money because we refuse to accept third-world trash that the other member countries let in by NOT guarding their borders.
Really, what’s the use of the E.U.?!?
We cannot do without the EU, since Hungary is financially dependent on them? You know, the “measly” low amount we collect, year on year? The “Made in the EU” label that attracts industry? The free movement of people and goods?
Try this prompt in Grok … “what is the net present value of the net funds Hungary received from the EU since Hungary joined the EU”.
Snippet: “The net present value of Hungary’s EU funds from 2004 to 2023 is approximately €47–56 billion, with a best estimate of €52 billion at a 4% discount rate, factoring in variable cash flows.”. I NOTE: 2023 – so 2024 missing, 2025 pending.
That is a lot of money for a country like ours…
Did I mention I always like the “Our Money!” chant? It is actually the money of those stupid EU Contributor countries – and they bestow it on us, rather than apply those funds in their own domestic context, as any proper Sovereign Own People First country would do. Idiots!
Steiner, I don’t need to remind you that you are not Hungarian. So shut up.
None of your business.
Cant you read silently?
First off, dear Michael, it’s not “our money” because you are not Hungarian and have no dog in the fight. Secondly, since Hungary is a net takers for the last 20 years, not a net contributor, they are not “owed” a single forint. Victor “demands” sounds like a kid in Spar demanding candy. You sound more ridiculas with every post.
If Orbán is concerned about refugees what does anyone think will happen if Russia advanced to occupy all of Ukraine or even just half of it. We are talking about millions of Ukrainians that would go immediately west into the E.U. that would need to be fed and housed. Fidesz leaves this fact out when it says Hungary has in interest in the war. We all have a very large interest in keeping the Russians out. Ruszki haza!
Orban says that state actors weaponize migration but completely avoids stating which state. Hint: which border did Finland completely close after migrants were funnelled through including at one of the most remote northern border locations on earth? Why was Poland also forced to put up fences on its border to keep migrants from coming from Belarus.? These migrants are being flown into Belarus and Russia to send to the West. Putin facilitates it and Putin had his hands deep in the Syrian civil war participating in attacks on the civilian population which created the 2015-16 refugee crisis in Europe. Putin tries to destabilize Europe with migrants.