World

Hungary May Be Unable to Stop Possible Migration Attack on Its Border – Official

The Hungarian government has repeatedly opposed the EU migration policy, with Prime Minister Viktor Orban stressing earlier this year that Budapest would not change its stance on illegal migration and would stand up to Brussels if necessary.
Sputnik

The Hungarian border is protected from refugees, but nothing can be guaranteed in case of a massive migrant assault on the area, Janos Hajdu, Director-General of the Hungarian Counter Terrorism Center, told a press conference in Moscow.

"Both police and army units are deployed in Hungary's southern border which is equipped with fences and alarm systems. Although we are ready for any situation, I cannot say now whether we will be able to stop a large crowd [of migrants] attacking the border," Hajdu said, adding that such a scenario will unlikely take place. 

READ MORE: Hungary Sets Military Base on Border to Stop Illegal Migrants — Minister

He also said that the Hungarian special services have seen media reports about large number of refugees in Bosnia, who are allegedly preparing to "break through" to the European Union, but that they can neither confirm nor deny it.

Additionally, Hajdu praised the government's security steps to protect the country's border which he said helped Budapest to keep terrorists from entering Hungary. 

"The terrorists used a wave of migration in order to get to Europe and commit terrorist acts there. We have reliable information that between 2015 and 2016, terrorists used this way in order to penetrate [to Europe]", he said.

READ MORE: Hungary Prepares 'Stop Soros' Bill to Criminalize Aiding Migrants

He argued that the terrorists who previously carried out the bombings in Paris and Brussels, "one hundred percent traveled through Hungary." According to him, the measures taken by Budapest, including the construction of a fence at the border, "excluded the arrival of illegal migrants in Hungary".

In September, Prime Minister Viktor Orban made it plain that  Hungary would not change its policy concerning illegal migration and that it would stand up to the European Union "if needed".

READ MORE: Hungary's PM Orban Mulls Blocking EU Budget if Brussels Spends Money on Migrants

Orban was echoed by the country's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto who stressed that Hungary's authorities "will never allow one single illegal migrant to enter the territory" of the state.

Hungary Unlikely to Abandon Tough Stance on Migration Despite EU Pressure – MP
Hungary has long been critical of the EU's open-door policy, initially introduced at the onset of the continent's migration crisis, and opposed the mandatory migrant relocation quotas.

Budapest's stance prodded the European Commission to launch its first infringement procedure against Hungary over its asylum legislation in December 2015. Hungary, in particular, set up border fences and enhanced border control with neighboring Serbia.

Discuss