Sudinfo: European Commission Confronts Hungary’s Viktor Orban Over Migrant Threat

European Commission's Stand Against Hungary's Migrant Threat

Sudinfo reports that the Hungarian government, under Viktor Orban, is threatening to bus asylum seekers to Brussels. This has been declared 'unacceptable' by a spokesperson for the European Commission, who confirmed that the executive is ready to ensure that legislation is upheld by using all its competencies. The Hungarian Secretary of State, Bence Rétvári, highlighted this threat, posing in front of buses labeled 'Röszke-Bruxelles', a nod to a transit point on the Balkan migration route at the Hungary-Serbia border. He claims to offer 'free one-way tickets to Brussels.'

Belgian Officials Respond to Threat

• The incident has ignited significant indignation in Belgium.
• Nicole de Moor, Belgium's Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration, stated that no transportation of migrants will be allowed if they are being instrumentalized.
• Philippe Close, the mayor of Brussels, has called on Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden to block these buses at the border.

European Commission's Position

The European Commission also voiced its disapproval, emphasizing that such actions would violate European legislation and undermine the very framework of Schengen, which guarantees the freedom of movement for individuals. The Commission has been in contact with Hungary to ensure that this threat does not materialize and is also reaching out to countries along the route from Hungary to Brussels.