Most EU member states have come to agree with Hungary’s stance that Europe’s borders should be protected, which the country has fulfilled for the past two years, Kovács said. In 2015 Hungary erected a razor wire fence on its southern border with Serbia to stem the inflow of illegal migrants.

Kovács said Hungary had spent millions of euros on beefing up security on its border with Serbia, thereby protecting Europe. Rather than being ashamed, Hungary can be proud that by strengthening the protection of its borders, it is showing solidarity towards other European countries, he added.

“Hungary doesn’t like fences,” Kovács said, adding, however, that this was the only way the country could control its borders. He said Hungary would not abandon any EU member state which endeavoured to protect its borders, noting that Hungary had sent soldiers and police officers to help with border patrols in a number of EU countries.

Swift action from and cooperation among member states is more effective than joint European measures aimed at resolving the migrant crisis, Kovács said.

The government spokesman said Hungary complied with all EU regulations but it would continue to oppose any plan to implement mandatory migrant redistribution quotas, especially if such a measure would have retroactive effect.

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

MTI photo: Máthé Zoltán