Brussels, 08/07/2015 (Agence Europe) - ALDE Group MEPs urged the European Commission on Tuesday 7 July to react to the construction, confirmed that same day, by Hungary of a 175-kilometre long fence to stem the tide of migrants across the border with Serbia and to the country's amendments to asylum law.
After tearing down a wall in 1989, Hungary is building another in 2015, railed the group, calling on the Commission to prevent construction of the fence. “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”, state the MEPs in a written question to the Commission. “This is yet another regrettable xenophobic measure from the Hungarian government, which contravenes EU values and policies”, stated Sophie in 't Veld (Netherlands).
“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”, she went on.
Cecilia Wikström (Sweden) stated that “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”.
The new package of amendments to asylum rules “is yet another sign of Hungary's disintegration. The Hungarian prime minister is transforming the country into a mini-Russia”, said Wikström. (Solenn Paulic)