A top Hungarian official has warned that Europe should prepare for a major wave of migration in 2024 that could lead to more serious incidents.
Growing Tensions
György Bakondi, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s chief advisor on homeland security, stated that recent events involving migrants in major European cities demonstrate growing conflicts with authorities.
He noted that immigrants are openly confronting state authorities and refusing to integrate into receiving societies.
Bakondi pointed to an increasing number of crimes and terrorist activities linked to migrants.
He expressed hope that such incidents this year, along with their consequences, might prompt a rethinking of European Union (EU) migration policies in the lead-up to European Parliamentary elections in June.
Hungary’s Stance Gaining Traction
According to Bakondi, the Hungarian approach of screening migrants outside EU borders and only admitting those granted refugee status is attracting more support among member states.
He observed that countries are seeking ways to prevent further migration inflows, including through the recent EU migration pact.
Moreover, Bakondi highlighted that a rising number of EU countries have reintroduced internal border controls.
They argued that incoming migrant numbers and dangers warrant decisive action to stop entry.
Major Push Factors Looming
Bakondi stressed that authorities have failed to carry out over 80% of deportation orders for illegal immigrants across the EU.
He also asserted that increased security efforts have substantially reduced illegal Serbian-Hungarian border crossings.
Joint Romanian-Hungarian patrols have also proven effective, as evidenced by a recent interception of 140 migrants in a truck.
However, the advisor warned that massive new migration pressure lies ahead in 2024.
He singled out crises in the Sahel region of Africa and the Middle East tensions triggered by Hamas attacks on Israel.
The EU thus faces major decisions in the coming year on how to respond to swelling migration flows that could further test European unity.
Travelers Face More Hurdles
The potential migration influx comes at a sensitive time for travel to Europe. With the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) visa waiver program set to launch in May 2025, visitors already face more red tape.
The scheme requires pre-screening of travelers from over 60 countries outside the EU bloc.
Experts warned that rising migration could prompt authorities to tighten ETIAS checks or expand the list of nations subject to the system.
That could spell longer wait times and heightened scrutiny for tourists, business travelers, students, and families alike.
Policies Under Pressure
The migrant situation also threatens to intensify debates over EU immigration laws.
Bakondi’s remarks hinted at tensions between Brussels and nationalist member state governments taking a harder line.
As migrant entries rise, voices pushing for stronger external borders and deportation powers could gain steam.
That spells uncertainty for immigrants aiming to settle long-term across Europe.
Investors, digital nomads, and those seeking residency permits or citizenship could encounter added barriers depending on how events unfold.
With migration testing EU unity in 2024, immigration policy stands at a crossroads.
A Rocky Road Ahead
As the EU braces for what could be a defining year for its migration policies and social cohesion, Bakondi’s remarks cast serious doubt on the bloc’s readiness.
With both internal and external events threatening to unleash a new wave of mass migration, the question is whether member states can put aside their differences and mount an effective joint response.
If not, the scenes of chaos now unfolding from Budapest to Paris could pale compared to what awaits in 2024.
The EU’s leaders face a rocky road ahead, one that will severely test the Union’s character and values.