'EU needs to do more!' Hungary says Brussels ARE copying its hardline migrant approach
HUNGARY has said the European Union has learnt from its hardline migrant approach but Brussels needs to do more to tackle the crisis.
Hungary says the EU has learnt from its hardline migrant approach but still needs to do more
Zoltan Kovacs, the spokesperson for Hungarian PM Viktor Orban, said the EU has made progress in its tactics to deal with illegal immigration.
However, during a press conference in London today, he said there is still "unfinished business" that Brussels needs to deal with surrounding the issue.
Mr Kovacs said: "The level of EU's defence is still behind reality, but finally the main strategies are in-line with the suggestions of the Hungarian government.
"Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orban suggested to set up hot-spots, or shelters for the migrants outside the EU borders.
We believe that it's not enough to defend the borders, the EU should stop migration outside its borders
"We believe that it's not enough to defend the borders, the EU should stop migration outside its borders."
Mr Kovacs said during the recent Malta summit the EU finally agreed with the Hungarian government's 2015's suggestion to create 'migration hot spots' or shelters outside the borders of the EU.
He said new and stricter legal measures are needed to avoid free movement for migrants in the EU.
Migrants who arrived by train at Hegyeshalom on the Hungarian and Austrian border
Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó on Schengen
The Eastern European government knows that their view on migration has always caused friction with Brussels, and they are expecting the same with their suggestions on the new legal measures.
Mr Kovacs said: "The EU's legal measures are needed to avoid free movement for migrants in the EU.
"Also we shouldn't give the same rights for immigrants as to EU citizens."
Viktor Orban suggested to set up hot-spots, or shelters for the migrants outside the EU borders
He added: "Hungary has never been the most liberal of countries and we are not willing to participate schemes that let in illegal migrants, by breaching the security system of the EU.
"The hot-spots would stop migrants entering the Schengen area, and would give the opportunity for authorities to investigate asylum-seekers."
In terms of Hungary's controversial fence and border protection, Mr Kovacs added: "It is our right to protect our border using a fence and currently 6,000 to 8,000 Hungarian troops are working day and night to protect the border of Hungary, which is also the border of Schengen."