Hungary has announced plans to sue the European Union over a €200 million fine imposed by the EU Court of Justice for failing to adhere to EU asylum laws, alongside a daily penalty of €1 million for non-compliance with the court’s ruling.
Government spokesperson Zoltán Kovács described the fine as “outrageous and unacceptable,” emphasizing Hungary’s role since 2015 as “a defender of the EU’s external borders against illegal migration.” Kovács reiterated Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s stance, asserting that Hungary “will not yield to Brussels’ financial blackmail” and remains committed to safeguarding its borders and citizens.
Justice Minister Bence Tuzson criticized the court’s decision, alleging “arbitrary selection of judges” and claiming the penalty exceeded the amount initially sought by the European Commission. He confirmed that Hungary is consulting with international law firms to file the lawsuit and seek compensation for damages incurred due to the ruling.
The Hungarian government has invested approximately €2 billion in border protection since 2015, arguing that it has received minimal financial support from the EU for these efforts. Hungary contends that the fine undermines the EU’s principle of burden-sharing and insists that the bloc should compensate Hungary for its border protection expenses.
Kovács added that Hungary will continue to “vigorously oppose illegal migration, prioritizing the safety of its citizens.”
