At an international press conference in Brussels on Monday, Government Spokesperson Zoltán Kovács said that the chief measure of solidarity is full compliance with the rules of the European Union.

Mr. Kovács stressed that by now the majority of EU Member States share the position on strict border protection that Hungary has been representing for almost two years.

Hungary has spent millions of euros on protecting its border with Serbia, and thus Hungarians are defending Europe. Therefore, Mr. Kovács said, instead of being ashamed, Hungary can be proud to participate in solidarity with other European countries by strengthening its border protection.

He pointed out that “Hungary is not in favour of fences”, but this is the only way of controlling the country’s borders. In this context he said that Hungary is not letting down any EU Member State which is in need, since Hungarian soldiers and police officers have already been participating in border protection duties in other Member States or allies, and continue to do so.

Mr. Kovács added that, in responding to the migration problem, determined and rapid action and cooperation of Member States can be more effective than a common European approach and measures.

He stressed that Hungary is complying with EU rules, but Budapest continues to reject the plan to distribute migrants according to mandatory quotas – especially on a retroactive basis.

The Government Spokesperson pointed out that it is wrong to believe that Hungary seeks to oppose the European Union. All the criticism which Hungary is expressing related to EU institutions is meant to be in Europe’s interest.

Budapest, for instance, regards the withdrawal of Britain from the EU as a response to the way the community operates. He added that the world is changing, and the future of Europe depends on how the continent can respond to changes and how it can renew itself.

Mr. Kovács underlined that Hungary is committed to the European Union and a strong Europe, and believes that the power of Europe lies in the power of Member States.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister)