On Thursday Government Spokesperson Zoltán Kovács told public television channel M1 that the aim of the southern border barrier has not changed: it must still prevent migrants from entering the European Union’s territory illegally, without being controlled.

Talking about the transit zone to be established in Ásotthalom, Mr. Kovács said that the establishment would not serve as a reception centre: this is where authorities will ensure the requirements of controlled and legal entry into the country. He added that transit zones provide the possibility for migrants to enter Hungary legally, by means of accelerated procedures in which experts evaluate their requests. Figures show that the migration pressure has not changed: about 100–200 migrants still arrive at the borders every day.

The Government Spokesperson stressed that border protection is still needed, and we must not let ourselves fall victim to the illusion that the problem has been solved.

(MTI)