Hungary tearing down wall in '89, putting up wall in 2015 - ALDE MEPs urge Commission to act before border fence is built -

Source: S.H. (Sophie) in 't Veld i, published on Wednesday, July 8 2015.

ALDE MEPs have today urged the European Commission, via a written parliamentary question(see below), to react to new legislation on asylum rules that was yesterday approved by the Hungarian Parliament. The National Assembly backed a package of amendments tightening the asylum and migration system in the country and approved a 175 km long, 4-metre high fence on the border with Serbia to stem the flow of migrants and refugees.

Speaking on these new measures, Sophie in 't Veld, first-vice president of the ALDE Group, said: "This is yet another regrettable xenophobic measure from the Hungarian government, which contravenes EU values and policies. I want clarification from the European Commission. Will the Commission wait until the fence is built or will the Commission intervene before? Existing border fences in Greece, Spain and Bulgaria show that fortress Europe is not a solution. History proved that walls have never brought anything good and they do not stop people. What would the Commission do if Hungary starts refusing refugees, withholding their right to humanitarian assistance and shelter? Will the Commission prevent the expulsion of people, fleeing from war and conflict, to seek safety in the EU?"

Cecilia Wikström, ALDE spokesperson for migration, added: "At a time when a record of 60 million people globally are fleeing their homes due to war and oppression, it is unacceptable that Hungary wants to isolate itself by building up walls and refusing to deal with asylum applications. Hungary is bound to respect EU and international laws, such as the Geneva Convention. It is our duty, not an option, to show solidarity and guarantee asylum seekers a legally correct process.

This package of amendments is yet another sign of Hungary's disintegration. The Hungarian Prime minister is transforming the country into a mini-Russia. The Orbán regime's lack of solidarity and of respect for the fundamental European values is appalling and the EU must react immediately, putting pressure on the Hungarian regime before it is too late."

Please find the written parliamentary question here:

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