Publication

This note examines how Hungary has responded to the 2015 migration crisis affecting the country and its status as a transit country for migrants seeking to enter the EU. Among other issues, the author examines 1) the numbers of migrants who have entered the country and their points of origin; 2) criticism of the EU's response to the crisis by Hungarian politicians; 3) the role xenophobia plays in the Hungarian response and attitude towards the migrants; 4) the Hungarian government’s plans to deal with the crisis, including suggestions of building a fence across its border with Serbia; and 5) Hungary’s decision in June 2015 to stop accepting the migrants as part of the EU asylum process and its overturning of this decision following pressure from other Union countries.