Hungary has started paying fines amounting to millions of euros to the European Union after deviating from EU procedures regarding asylum and the expulsion of individuals residing in the country illegally. The European Commission is now imposing a fine of €200 million on Hungary, in addition to accumulated daily penalties.
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) had previously ruled that Hungary was not complying with EU regulations on international protection and the return of third-country nationals residing illegally within the EU. This ruling dates back to December 2020, when the court found that Hungary’s practices did not align with the established EU asylum and return procedures.
EU Commission’s Response
The European Commission spokesperson, Balázs Ujvári, provided details about the recent developments at a briefing. The deadline for Hungary to respond to the ECJ’s ruling passed on 17 September 2024, and the European Commission has moved forward with its procedure to enforce compliance.
Ujvári stated, “We now plan to deduct €200 million from future EU budget payments to Hungary.” In addition to the main fine, the ruling included an additional daily penalty of €1 million for each day Hungary ignored the court’s decision.
The European Commission’s initial step was to formally ensure that the issue remained unresolved. Hungary was given until Friday, 13 September, to respond, but no response was received from the Hungarian authorities. Consequently, the Commission proceeded to the next stage of the procedure.
“We had to take the next step in the procedure, which in practice means that we have sent the first payment request, covering a period of 93 days: from 13 June, when the Court imposed the fine, to 13 September,” Ujvári detailed. This translates to a fine of €93 million for the 93-day period.
Hungary’s Financial Obligation
Budapest now has 45 days to pay the initial €93 million fine for the period specified. The total fine of €200 million and the accumulated penalties signify a significant financial obligation for Hungary.
The EU Commission’s decision to deduct future payments from the EU budget allocated to Hungary indicates the severity with which the EU is treating this matter.
Historical Context
The ECJ’s ruling against Hungary in 2020 was rooted in the country’s failure to adhere to the EU’s procedures for international protection and the return of illegal third-country nationals. Hungary’s approach to asylum seekers and illegal residents had been at odds with EU regulations, leading to a legal confrontation with the European Union.
This decision by the European Commission and the subsequent financial penalties highlights the EU’s commitment to enforcing its regulations on member states, particularly regarding asylum and immigration procedures. The imposition of fines is a tool used by the EU to ensure compliance and to maintain a unified approach to international protection and the management of illegal migration within its borders.
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