The European Union’s top court has imposed a harsh penalty on Hungary for violating the bloc’s asylum laws.
The verdict includes a €200 million ($216 million) fine and a daily penalty of €1 million ($1.08 million) until Hungary complies with the regulations.
Hungary, known for its hardline stance on immigration, has been at odds with the EU since the 2015 migration crisis.
The country erected fences and implemented policies aimed at deterring refugees and asylum seekers from entering.
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) specifically criticized Hungary’s failure to:
- Allow asylum seekers to remain in the country while their appeals are processed.
- Uphold proper procedures for removing migrants deemed ineligible for asylum.
The court deemed these actions a “deliberate avoidance” of EU policy and a “serious infringement.”
The Hungarian government has yet to comment on the ruling. In the past, they’ve defended their actions, claiming they’ve already closed processing centers and tightened asylum seeker restrictions.
Current Hungarian law requires asylum applications to be submitted at embassies outside the country, effectively barring entry to those seeking refuge.
This ruling marks another point of contention between Hungary and the EU.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban has frequently clashed with Brussels on various issues, including judicial independence and support for Ukraine.
Despite a 2021 promise to maintain his anti-asylum policies “even if the court ordered” changes, Hungary now faces significant financial pressure to comply with EU regulations.
