Hungary prolongs migration emergency law despite EU court criticism

Budapest decided to prolong the “State of Crisis Due to Mass Migration,” a legal regime that gives the authorities sweeping powers over asylum procedures. This extension comes despite a judgment from the EU’s highest court that such powers conflict with EU law. Human rights groups and the UN Refugee Agency have voiced strong concerns about the move.

Lydia Gall, a senior researcher for Human Rights Watch, described Hungary’s asylum arrangements as abusive and demanded that the crisis declaration be lifted. She also called for the country to guarantee effective asylum access and bring its system into line with EU and international standards. The decision underscores ongoing tensions between Hungary’s migration policy and European legal norms.