The Netherlands this week notified the European Union of its intention to “withdraw” from the bloc's migrant and refugee protection rules, and central European country Hungary said it wanted to do the same.
Hungary's EU minister, Janos Boka, spoke in Strasbourg this week after the Netherlands declared it wanted to “withdraw” from EU dictates on border controls. He said the Netherlands was “a member of the Schengen area and will remain so” but wanted to regain control over migration and asylum.
New European Union rules on migration and asylum are due to be agreed in 2024 and come into force in 2026. Hungary voted against the proposal but ultimately failed to block it. Boka said Hungary would “take the necessary legal and administrative measures” to make the opt-out a reality.
In a statement published online following his oral remarks, the politician outlined Hungary's position that “drastic action is needed to stop illegal migration” and said that to achieve this, Hungary would work with the Netherlands to seek exceptions through treaty amendments.
Hungarian state media said Hungary would abide by European law but that the government would still “pursue a migration policy that safeguards national interests.” Hungary believes EU border rules undermine the nation-state and says “stronger national control over migration is essential to maintain public services and protect sovereignty.”
The Netherlands, an influential founding member of the European Union, declaring that it wants to withdraw from some European rules is a significant and potentially historic development, as populist leader and Hague power broker Geert Wilders has pointed out, but making such a change would require a massive effort. According to Politico: Notes The Commission, which reviewed the situation, said: “Changing EU treaties is a long and complex process that requires the unanimity of all member states. The Commission said at a press conference on Wednesday that it has no plans to embark on such changes in the near future.”
We reported on the Dutch demand yesterday.
Wilders has pledged to introduce the “toughest” refugee policy in the country's history to tackle the mass immigration problem, which the government blames for exacerbating problems facing Dutch people in areas such as health, housing and education.
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Even if the proposed treaty is submitted, it is unclear whether the Dutch government would be able to overcome opposition from Brussels and other capitals, as excluding the Netherlands would likely lead to increased immigration into other member states.
That's why Dutch political commentator Eva Vlaardingelbroek argued on Wednesday that the government should seek to leave the EU through a “nexit”, just as Britain decided to leave the bloc, saying it would be “the only real way to regain sovereignty.” PVV leader Geert Wilders had previously supported the Netherlands leaving the EU but softened his position earlier this year while trying to form a coalition government.
While debates over border control shook Europe most dramatically during the 2016 migrant crisis, the issue remains relevant, and control over national migration and asylum policies is not an issue without consequences. As has been reported, the European Union is currently experiencing a “silent” migration crisis, with well over one million asylum applications expected to be filed this year.
Hungary has the lowest number of asylum seekers per capita in Europe, a position that could be undermined if Europe has its way with redistributing migrants. The Netherlands currently has a fair average number of asylum seekers per capita, but the new government has vowed to control immigration, and as part of that is introducing stricter refugee policies.
The populist-led government will also introduce “tough conditions” into family reunification schemes for migrants, also known as chain migration: from now on, migrants will only be allowed to bring members of their immediate nuclear family, and applicants must have lived in the country for at least two years, have a permanent private residence and meet income thresholds.
