Fri Sep 20 07:55:00 UTC 2024: ## Right-Wing Push for EU Asylum Opt-Out Faces Legal Hurdles

**Brussels, Europe** – The Netherlands and Hungary, both led by right-wing governments, have announced their intention to seek exemptions from the EU’s asylum policy, known as the Dublin Regulation. This move, however, is facing significant legal hurdles.

The Dutch coalition government, led by the far-right PVV party, and Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party, both advocate for stricter national control over migration. They argue that the EU’s asylum policy undermines national sovereignty and public services.

The Dutch asylum minister, Marjolein Faber, aims to establish the “toughest migration policy ever” in the Netherlands, even proposing a state of emergency to bypass parliamentary approval. Hungary, currently holding the EU Council presidency, has also been relying on emergency decrees for several years.

While the EU’s reformed asylum policy was finally approved in April, Hungary, under Prime Minister Viktor Orban, rejects it and intends to ignore it. Despite this, Orban expressed satisfaction over Germany’s recent border control measures, signaling a broader trend towards stricter asylum policies in Europe.

Italy’s far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, aligned with Wilders and Orban, may also push for an opt-out from the EU asylum laws.

However, legal experts dismiss these demands as “paper tigers.” Amending the EU treaties, which would be required for such an opt-out, necessitates unanimous agreement from all member states and the European Parliament.

The EU Commission emphasizes that until the treaty is changed, member states remain bound by existing EU law.

Furthermore, experts highlight that the EU’s commitment to the rule of law prevents members from unilaterally withdrawing from adopted legislation.

Hungary, which has repeatedly ignored EU asylum rules and faced fines, is a stark example of the consequences of disregarding EU law.

Despite Hungary’s claims of a massive influx of asylum seekers, statistics show that only 30 people applied for asylum in the country in 2023.

The Dutch government’s request for an opt-out is seen by some as a symbolic gesture, as the process for treaty change is lengthy and unlikely to succeed.

This move by the Dutch and Hungarian governments highlights a growing trend towards nationalistic and restrictive asylum policies within the EU, raising concerns about the future of the bloc’s unified asylum system.

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