Hungary Plans Free Tickets for Migrants to Brussels

Hungary's government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, announced plans to provide free one-way tickets to Brussels for migrants and asylum seekers as a response to recent heavy fines imposed by the European Court of Justice for violating EU asylum rules. Chief of staff Gergely Gulyás criticized the court's ruling, which included a €200 million penalty and an additional €1 million per day until Hungary aligns with EU regulations. He stated that if the EU continues to enforce regulations that prevent Hungary from detaining migrants at its borders, the country will facilitate their transport to Brussels. This stance reflects Hungary's long-standing hardline approach to immigration, marked by border fences and stringent asylum policies. Gulyás emphasized that if the EU desires migrants, they will be sent to Brussels at no cost. The Hungarian government remains defiant against EU pressure to reform its immigration system.