BRUSSELS, July 18, 2026 — Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has demanded that the European Union reimburse billions of euros in migration-related penalties imposed on Hungary, arguing that Brussels’ position on border control has changed and that other European countries are now adopting policies similar to those previously criticised in Budapest.

Magyar said Hungary should receive back the money paid in fines after the European Union imposed financial penalties over the country’s refusal to fully comply with a European Court of Justice ruling concerning asylum procedures and migrant access to protection.

Hungary Challenges EU Migration Penalties

The dispute centres on a €200 million lump-sum penalty imposed on Hungary in 2024, along with a daily fine of €1 million, after the European Court of Justice ruled that Budapest had failed to comply with EU asylum rules.

The court case followed years of disagreement between Hungary and EU institutions over migration policy. Under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary introduced strict border measures, including a fence along its border with Serbia, while limiting where and how asylum applications could be submitted.

Hungary has since accumulated close to €1 billion in EU penalties, according to officials, creating a major political and financial dispute between Budapest and Brussels.

Magyar Says EU Position Has Changed

Speaking about the fines, Magyar argued that the political environment in Europe has shifted significantly.

He said several EU member states are now taking tougher approaches to preventing irregular migration, similar to measures Hungary had previously advocated.

Magyar described the penalties as unfair, arguing that Hungary was being punished for policies that other countries were increasingly adopting in response to rising migration pressures.

The Hungarian leader said his government was negotiating with the European Commission to find a solution that would end the daily fines while allowing Hungary to maintain strict border controls.

Demand for Additional EU Funds

Beyond the migration fines, Magyar is also seeking the return of approximately €2 billion in recovery funds that Hungary lost after missing deadlines linked to EU funding conditions.

The request comes as Hungary and the European Union negotiate future budget arrangements requiring approval from all 27 member states.

Magyar said Hungary would continue pressing for the return of funds, arguing that the money should benefit Hungarian citizens rather than remain blocked in Brussels.

EU-Hungary Relations Enter New Phase

The dispute takes place during a period of changing relations between Hungary and the European Union.

Since taking office, Magyar has sought to improve cooperation with Brussels while addressing disputes inherited from the previous administration.

In May, Hungary reached an agreement with the European Commission that could unlock billions of euros in frozen recovery and cohesion funds, provided Budapest completes required reforms.

The development marked a significant shift after years of tensions between Brussels and Viktor Orbán’s government over rule-of-law concerns, corruption allegations and disagreements on migration policy.

EU Continues Migration Reform Efforts

The European Union has also been working on broader reforms aimed at strengthening migration management, improving border controls and speeding up the return of people who do not have legal permission to remain in member states.

EU institutions have argued that member states must balance effective border management with obligations under European and international law, including access to asylum procedures.

The bloc has increasingly focused on cooperation with countries outside the EU to reduce irregular migration routes and improve returns.

Political Battle Continues

The dispute over migration fines highlights one of the most sensitive issues in European politics.

Supporters of Hungary’s approach argue that governments should have greater control over their borders and migration policies.

Critics say Hungary must comply with common EU rules and respect legal obligations governing asylum seekers and migrants.

For Magyar’s government, recovering the fines and securing frozen EU funds have become important political priorities as Hungary seeks to strengthen its economic position and redefine its relationship with Brussels.

Looking Ahead

The issue is expected to remain a key point of negotiation between Budapest and EU institutions as discussions continue over migration policy, financial support and the bloc’s next long-term budget.

Magyar has insisted that Hungary will continue defending strict border policies while seeking what he describes as fair treatment from the European Union.

The outcome of the negotiations could influence not only Hungary’s finances but also the wider debate over migration and border security across Europe.