Berliner Morgenpost: Viktor Orbán Supports Outsourcing Asylum Procedures

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has voiced approval for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s proposal to explore outsourcing asylum procedures to countries outside the EU, reports the Berliner Morgenpost.

He praised Chancellor Scholz’s initiative, highlighting Hungary’s own system of “external hotspots” where asylum applications are processed before entry into Hungary. He emphasized that migrants must first obtain approval from Hungarian authorities at embassies, such as in Belgrade, Serbia, before entering the country. The Hungarian PM pointed out the disparity in the number of asylum applications between Hungary, receiving only 30 first-time applications last year, and Germany, with nearly 330,000. He underscored Hungary’s adherence to strict rules on asylum seekers, describing Hungarian regulations as unique within the EU.

Regarding Chancellor Scholz potentially following his lead, Viktor Orbán remarked,

It is not shameful for me that Scholz is following my lead. I am more concerned that he might be inconvenienced by this.”

He expressed concerns over the risks associated with open borders, which he had warned about since 2015. Mr. Orbán recalled the challenges Hungary faced during the migrant crisis of 2015, emphasizing his observations of what he perceived as incompatible social concepts among migrants.

Viktor Orbán criticized the Court of Justice of the European Union’s recent ruling against Hungary, imposing hefty fines for non-compliance with EU asylum policies. He argued that Hungary’s approach to migration prioritizes national security and cultural integrity. The Prime Minister contrasted this with his perception of Germany’s approach, suggesting that mixing cultural patterns of migrants with Europe’s traditional values poses significant risks. He cautioned that while positive outcomes are possible, the potential risks are too high to ignore.

Additionally, recent surveys indicate widespread dissatisfaction among European citizens with their governments’ handling of immigration, with 92% expressing discontent.

Looking ahead to Hungary’s upcoming EU Council Presidency in late 2024, Mr. Orbán identified solving the migration issue as a top priority. He reiterated his belief that Hungary’s cautionary stance on migration has been validated over time, despite criticism and legal challenges from EU institutions.

Prime Minister Orbán’s remarks reflect Hungary’s firm stance on asylum policies, emphasizing strict controls and skepticism toward broader European approaches to migration. He advocates for safeguarding national interests and cultural values amidst ongoing debates within the EU over migration policy.

Via Berliner Morgenpost; Featured Image: Facebook / Migrációkutató Intézet