Hungary Offers Free Transport for Migrants to Brussels Amid EU Dispute

Hungary's government announced it will offer free one-way tickets to Brussels for migrants attempting to enter the EU. This follows a significant fine imposed by the European Court of Justice on Hungary for its stringent asylum policies. The move reflects Hungary's continued defiance of EU regulations.

Hungary's government has escalated its protest against EU immigration policies by offering free one-way tickets to Brussels for migrants and asylum seekers attempting to enter the European Union. This announcement came after the European Court of Justice imposed a hefty fine on Hungary for breaching the bloc's asylum rules.

In a press conference in Budapest, Gergely Gulyás, the chief of staff to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, strongly criticized the court's ruling that ordered Hungary to pay 200 million euros in fines, with an additional million euros per day until compliance with EU regulations is achieved. Gulyás indicated that Hungary would rather transport migrants to Brussels than adjust its stringent policies.

Since the 2015 European migrant crisis, Hungary has maintained a firm stance against immigration, constructing border fences and establishing transit zones to curb entry. The EU, however, has criticized Hungary's rigid asylum processes, pushing for unified procedures across member states. Despite EU pressure, Orbán's administration remains resolute in its policies.

(With inputs from agencies.)