Tamás Lánczi said Századvég had conducted a telephone survey of 28,000 people across the 28-member bloc between January 18 and February 10. He cited two-thirds of respondents as believing that illegal migration would intensify crime and the threat of terrorism.

Fully 83% of respondents expressed the opinion that the EU’s borders should be protected more effectively, he said, adding that respondents were rather divided on the issue of Brussels’ mandatory migrant distribution quota system. Meanwhile, almost 50% of respondents were pessimistic about the EU’s economic prospects and expected a recession, Lánczi said.

The proportion of respondents who would support a petition aimed at leaving the bloc reached 40% in only seven member states, excluding the UK. The survey found a rather strong commitment towards the EU in several other member states, including Hungary.

Across the bloc, 64% of respondents insisted on remaining an EU citizen, Lánczi added. Addressing the conference, cabinet state secretary for government communication Bence Tuzson criticised Europe’s leaders for failing to recognise “the fact that there is a close connection between immigration and terrorism”. They have “lost their sound judgement,” he insisted.

Referring to Századvég’s survey, he insisted the European Union’s immigration policy had failed. The EU’s quota system “is tantamount to sending an invitation to millions of migrants”.

The EU’s leaders will only change their mind if voters make their voices heard, Tuzson insisted urging voters to turn up to the quota referendum scheduled to be held on October 2.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter

MTI photo: Koszticsák Szilárd