EU to withhold €200 million in funds from Hungary for asylum rule violation

The European Union announced its plan to withhold €200 million ($222 million) from Hungary for failing to pay a fine related to violating international asylum rules. The European Court of Justice fined Hungary for not complying with asylum procedures for migrants, including not allowing them to leave detention or offering special protections for vulnerable individuals.

Key Points about the withheld funds

The deadline for Hungary to settle the penalty expired, leading the EU to initiate the offsetting procedure by deducting the €200 million from future payments. Budapest, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party, has clashed with the EU over migration policies, rule of law, and international relations, frequently leading to disagreements and investigations by the ECJ.

Ongoing tensions between Budapest and Brussels

Hungary’s tough stance on migration and conflicts with the EU highlight the ongoing tensions between Budapest and Brussels. Recent events, such as Orban’s meeting with Russian President Putin and accusations of appeasement, continue to strain the relationship between Hungary and the EU.