The Iron Curtain is no more, and it should stay that way, he said. He described the Schengen system and the protection of the bloc’s external borders as “vital”, adding that it was important for the EU to find a practical solution to the latter so that the Dublin and Schengen agreements could remain fundamental parts of EU law.

Haseloff said it was “honourable” of Hungary to do its best to adhere to these treaties. Responding to the suggestion that several Hungarian laws have come under criticism, the prime minister said it had to be accepted that Europe comprises sovereign states that are free to adopt their own laws.

EU member states are, of course, bound by the bloc’s treaties, he added, but it is “perfectly normal” for them to disagree on certain details.

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

MTI photo: PM's Press Office/ Botár Gergely