The European Commission has decided to refer Hungary to the Court of Justice of the European Union over its “Stop Soros” package of laws, initiating the third phase of the ongoing infringement procedure in connection with that legislation.
Having deemed that the Hungarian government had not done enough to address its concerns, the EC decided to take the case to the Luxembourg-based court.
The infringement procedure was launched in July 2018.
Commenting on the EC’s decision, the government spokesman said Hungary would continue to stand by its “Stop Soros” laws and the constitutional amendment banning the mandatory settlement of migrants by non-Hungarian authorities in the country.
The Hungarian government is ready for the procedure, István Hollik said.
The contested measures serve the protection of the Hungarian people, Hollik said. Hungarians have made it very clear at referendums as well as the parliamentary and EP elections that they want nothing to do with migration and want to protect Europe’s Christian culture, he said.
The constitutional amendment prohibiting the settlement of migrants in Hungary and the “Stop Soros” laws, which criminalise the organisation and promotion of illegal migration, serve just that purpose, he said.
The government believes that those measures reflect the will of the Hungarian people and comply with the Geneva convention, the Schengen Agreement and the Dublin Regulation, Hollik said.