Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has called for stricter border controls and the swift return of irregular migrants, backing a tough proposal during heated talks between EU leaders in Brussels.

Prime Minister Péter Magyar has backed tougher European measures against irregular migration, arguing that strict border protection and the swift return of migrants without legal permission to remain have become the preferred approach in most EU member states.

In a social media post shared during the final day of the European Council summit in Brussels on Friday, Magyar described the discussions among EU leaders as “heated and emotional”, according to Hungarian news agency MTI.

The prime minister said that strict, decisive and effective border protection had become the approach favoured by most European countries, although some member states continued to oppose tougher measures.

Hungary backs strict Polish, Italian and Danish proposal

“On behalf of Hungary, I support the toughest Polish-Italian-Danish proposal,” Magyar wrote, adding that the countries were working together to convince the remaining reluctant member states.

His comments came as EU leaders discussed how to strengthen the bloc’s external borders, tackle people smuggling and make procedures for returning irregular migrants more effective.

Migration remains one of the most divisive issues within the European Union, particularly when it comes to balancing border security, asylum procedures and the responsibilities of individual member states.

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Several European governments have been calling for stricter migration policies, including stronger border controls and more effective returns. However, disagreements remain over how these measures should be implemented across the bloc.

Magyar’s remarks highlighted Hungary’s support for a tougher common approach, although the details of the Polish-Italian-Danish proposal and the positions of the opposing countries were not specified in his statement.

Hungary seeks EU support for border protection

Magyar’s latest remarks follow an announcement earlier this week that his government would seek additional EU funding to strengthen Hungary’s border fence and border protection measures.

Speaking in Brussels on Wednesday, the prime minister said his government would push for dedicated funding during negotiations over the EU’s next seven-year budget.

Hungary’s southern border has long played a central role in the country’s migration policy. The Tisza government has pledged to maintain strict border controls while seeking closer cooperation with European institutions.

Magyar has also criticised the former Orbán government’s decision to release convicted people smugglers from Hungarian prisons, saying his administration would pursue a different approach.

Meanwhile, the migration debate continued late into Friday evening, with EU leaders still discussing the issue nine hours into the summit’s second day. Magyar described himself as “somewhat tired, but determined”, saying he was representing Hungary’s interests as the talks continued.

He stressed that the negotiations concerned an important issue for Hungary and the European Union as a whole.

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