During Hungary’s six-month European Union (EU) presidency this year, it plans to take “the strongest possible action” against illegal migration, said Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó on January 16th in Athens, Greece.
New Routes Raise Alarm
Szijjártó met with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and discussed Europe’s main challenges, with illegal migration being “one of the most critical.”
Gerapetritis informed Szijjártó that new routes are emerging to bring migrants to southeastern Europe, “including Greece,” which is facing “increasing pressure.”
“This makes it even more important for Hungary to take the strongest possible action against illegal migration during the six months of its presidency,” Szijjártó said.
Protecting Borders a Shared Priority
The two ministers agreed on the importance of protecting the EU’s external borders.
They also agreed that each country has the sovereign right to decide “who it allows in and who it wants to live with.”
Preventing Conflict Escalation
Szijjártó stressed that Hungary and Greece want to prevent security threats from escalating.
This includes armed conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East from impacting Europe.
“Preventing escalation in both armed conflicts is a key issue for both of us,” he said.
Energy Supply Security
The Hungarian minister also met with energy ministers from Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania.
He said that in the current situation, energy supply security is critical.
Szijjártó pointed out the need to establish new energy supply sources and routes.
He described Greece as “an inevitable transit state for Hungary’s gas supply.”
What It Means for Future Arrivals
As Hungary pushes for tighter border controls, the developments could impact travelers and immigrants to the EU.
With the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) set to launch in May 2025, visitors may face more scrutiny when entering and traveling between Hungary and other Schengen countries.
Shaping the Bloc’s Immigration Policy
Hungary’s priorities are shaping immigration policy conversations in the EU.
Its stance lands firmly on stronger external borders and national sovereignty over immigration controls.
As gatekeepers to the EU, coastal states like Greece face increased pressure from new migration routes.
Meanwhile, the ETIAS looms on the horizon.
Hungary’s role over the next six months could impact how immigration policies take form across the EU.
Looking Ahead with Shared Priorities
Szijjártó described the visit to Greece as an important step in strengthening cooperation on issues critical to Hungary’s security and energy interests.
As Hungary takes on the EU presidency role, it appears aligned with Greece in making illegal migration a top priority for action.
With new routes emerging, Hungary seems poised to take an aggressive stance on border security and energy diversification in the months ahead.