Local Opinion: Europe’s Leaders Agree On Migration

  • 4 Jul 2018 10:39 AM
  • BudaPost
Local Opinion: Europe’s Leaders Agree On Migration
A pro-government columnist describes the decisions taken at the EU summit as a victory for Hungary, while a left-wing analyst worries about the plight of immigrants who will be kept in closed facilities while their applications are processed.

In Magyar Idők, Dávid Megyeri welcomes the principles adopted by the leaders of the 28 member states in Brussels as fully in line with what Hungary has always stood for.

They decided in fact to protect Europe’s outer borders and to give up the idea of mandatory migrant relocation. Thus, he explains, the idea of infringement procedures against countries which have resisted compulsory relocation quotas must be dropped.

Megyeri hopes that despite bitter efforts by pro-immigration forces, it will now become possible to get rid of the practice of ‘more Europe and more immigration’ and focus on ‘more security and more competitiveness’.

In Népszava, editor Gábor Horváth is worried about the idea of setting up closed camps where asylum seekers will have to wait until their applications are processed.

He gives an overview of the history of concentration camps, from the first ones in Cuba up to the Nazi death camps and hints that EU leaders must be conscious of what it means to lock migrants in camps.

It is no coincidence, he writes, that instead of “closed’, they call such centres ‘controlled’ in their communique. Nevertheless, Horváth fears that in a few decades from now Europe may well feel ashamed of what it is doing.

This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher. Your opinions are welcome too - for editorial review before possible publication online Click here to Share Your Story  

MTI Photo: PM's Press Office - Szecsődi Balázs

  • How does this content make you feel?

XpatLoop Media Partner

BudaPost

Launched in May 2011 to provide a balanced picture of matters covered in Hungary’s national press. Their aim is to make it easier for English-speakers to understand where this country is now and where it’s heading according to the full spectrum of media opinions.

Explore More Reports

  • Orbán: Budapest Peace Summit on the Horizon

    Orbán: Budapest Peace Summit on the Horizon

    • 24 Nov 2025 7:07 AM

    Hungary's prime minister has said that a Budapest peace summit was on the horizon and the next 2-3 weeks would now prove "decisive", now that the existence of the 28-point peace plan had been confirmed.

  • Brussels Migration Policy 'Suicide', Says Hungarian FM

    Brussels Migration Policy 'Suicide', Says Hungarian FM

    • 18 Nov 2025 6:46 AM

    "Brussels' migration policy is suicide. Hungary's national government has put a stop to illegal migration and remains committed to doing so in the future," Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó said on Monday, adding that for that reason, Hungary was calling for immediate humanitarian aid to Sudan.

  • Budapest Peace Summit Will Definitely Take Place, Says Orbán

    Budapest Peace Summit Will Definitely Take Place, Says Orbán

    • 25 Oct 2025 7:29 AM

    The peace summit is still on the agenda, although its timing is doubtful, but there is no doubt that it will take place, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in a radio interview on Friday morning, broadcast from the public media's Brussels studio.