“Applicable EU law” – Edtstadler: Hungary must register migrants

The migrants “come to us from Hungary via various routes, some also via Romania and Bulgaria, and are not yet registered, although they have traveled through one or perhaps even several Schengen countries,” said Edtstadler. “Here we are committed to ensuring that every state complies with this EU law and that registrations are made.” But you have to look at what is cause and what is effect. Austria is therefore taking an approach with a package of measures, including appropriate support for the countries on the EU’s external border.

“There can only be an answer to migration based on solidarity”
“When it comes to the issue of migration and asylum policy, there is only one answer. It can only be one based on solidarity, together. I don’t let anyone escape the obligation to comply with the applicable laws,” says Edtstadler about the registration obligation. This appeal was certainly addressed to Hungary. “On the other hand, you should of course also see that we are now taking joint actions with the Hungarians , where, for example, mixed patrols on Hungarian territory stop people who are not yet registered, and I assume that everything here is processed in accordance with EU law.”

Due to the increase in irregular migration, Austria has vetoed the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the border-free Schengen area. The federal government argued that there were more than 100,000 illegal border crossings into Austria this year, of which 75,000 were unregistered.

Did Orban miscalculate?
Regarding Hungary’s EUR 6.3 billion block from the EU’s community budget over rule of law concerns, Edtstadler said: “It is very clear to me that the rule of law mechanism, which has now been applied for the first time, has proven value. Because we have seen that there are real concerns about the rule of law. The language that is now being spoken, which is to freeze money, means that these reforms are really being finalized and implemented.” Asked whether Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban misjudged his attempt to block key EU decisions, the European minister said: “That’s a question he has to answer for himself.”

Edtstadler said she expects Hungary to implement all required rule of law reforms – the so-called milestones – and that the European Commission will monitor them. “I have full confidence in the European Commission, which is the guardian of the treaties and has proposed freezing more funds. All except Hungary agreed to this decision.”