“The negative effects observed throughout Europe, the significant worsening of the internal security situation and the frequent acts of terrorism are pushing elected political leaders to modify their mistaken migration policies, and these political changes could result in a turnaround with regard to illegal immigration”, the Chief Security Advisor to the Prime Minister said on M1 Hungarian television’s Wednesday evening current affairs program.

According to György Bakondi, the European Union has not defended itself successfully against uncontrolled mass illegal immigration; that had to be done by member states. In his view, 2017 could see the strengthening of the standpoint according to which illegal immigration must be stopped at the European Union’s external borders and asylum requests must be examined in registration and asylum-seeker centres (hotspots) located outside the EU, in accordance with Hungary’s recommendations.

Mr. Bakondi also spoke about the fact that one of the priorities of the Maltese Presidency of the European Union is the establishment of a refugee agency.

In reply to a question concerning whether any change is expected in the quota issue, Mr. Bakondi expressed his hope that there would be. “The quota case launched by Hungary is in process, and its outcome could have an effect on quota policy”, he pointed out, adding that he expects the decision in the case to be made according to legal considerations and not political ones.

The Chief Security Advisor said he believes that the acts of terrorism and increased crime that have accompanied the wave of migration can be stopped and that he hopes the European Union will listen to the voice of member states and citizens and implement the changes aimed at increasing the security of the people of Europe.

(MTI)