On Thursday at a press conference in Budapest, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said that the system of mandatory quotas is a failed concept, which instead of leading to a solution will only aggravate the migration crisis.

In response to a question, the Minister said that a completely new situation has evolved compared to what had been discussed concerning the agreement between the EU and Turkey a few weeks ago: since then, countries of the Western Balkans region have closed their green borders to stop illegal migrants. We have to cooperate with Turkey in managing the crisis, but it is not only Turkey we should cooperate with, Mr. Szijjártó emphasised.

He said that funds should be distributed in a way that Western Balkan countries can continue to comply with the regulations despite the ever increasing pressure, and that Greece can also adhere to the common rules. Furthermore, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and the Kurdish region should also be supported as millions of migrants live in those countries. However, the comprehensive agreement with Turkey has lost its current relevance due to the abolishment of the Western Balkan migration route.


Talking about the mandatory quotas, the minister said that Europe’s responsibility is not to bring people to Europe and provide them with European lives, but to support them in getting their own lives back as soon as possible. In order to ensure this, they must stay as close to their countries of origins as possible so that they can return to their homes once the conflicts are resolved.

The discussion on the quotas however is always interpreted as an invitation by those who are considering coming to Europe; furthermore, it is also an encouragement to people smugglers. Mr. Szijjártó explained. He also added that we have good reason to be concerned about voluntary quotas based on which hundreds of thousands of people would be transported to Europe. In that case “someone might raise the idea [of disturbing migrants in a mandatory manner] in the disguise of solidarity again”, he said.

Concerning the referendum on mandatory quotas the Minister said that it is unacceptable that certain European institutions use double standards when talking about referenda initiated by the Member States.

Mr. Szijjártó emphasised that that concept of quotas is still strong in Europe; many politicians still believe that the system is an appropriate response to the crisis, and therefore it is important to make Hungary’s position clear. Thus the referendum is more relevant than ever.

The Minister also said that protecting Europe’s sea borders is a very complex task, therefore it is harmful that the EU does not deal with the proposal of establishing a European force that would be able to carry out this task.

In Mr. Szijjártó’s view, it is becoming clear to those wishing to go to Germany that reaching Greece does not necessarily mean that they will reach Germany; the number of those setting off to Germany will radically decrease, he said.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)