European Commission Probes Hungary’s New Refugee Law
The European Commission is scrutinizing a recent Hungarian law that withdraws state-funded housing from Ukrainian refugees not coming from active war zones. The law, which took effect on August 21, targets those whom the Hungarian government deems capable of working but unwilling to do so, raising concerns about its compliance with EU asylum regulations.
Eviction of Refugees Sparks Controversy
On the day the law was implemented, 120 Ukrainian refugees, mostly Roma women and children, were evicted from a privately run shelter in Kocs, Hungary. The new regulation limits state-funded accommodation to refugees from 13 specific regions in Ukraine currently considered active conflict zones. Human rights groups estimate that up to 3,000 Ukrainian refugees in Hungary could be affected by this change.
EU Temporary Protection Directive in Focus
The European Union has granted ‘temporary protection’ status to approximately 4.2 million Ukrainians since the Russian invasion in 2022, with around 46,000 in Hungary alone. This status ensures access to residency, employment, accommodation, and social services across all EU member states. The European Commission has yet to comment on whether Hungary’s actions violate this directive, stating that they are still in discussions with Hungarian authorities.
Hungarian Government Defends New Measures
Hungarian Minister Gergely Gulyás defended the government’s decision, arguing that the law was a response to the refusal of some refugees to take up available jobs, despite the state spending 10 billion forints (€25 million) on their accommodation. Gulyás claimed that Hungary’s policies align with those of Poland, Romania, and Czechia. He also accused organizations linked to financier George Soros of encouraging the refugees to resist eviction.
UNHCR and Human Rights Groups Raise Concerns
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing that any transition from refugee shelters should be gradual and accompanied by sustainable solutions to prevent homelessness. The UNHCR also pointed out that EU law obligates member states to provide suitable accommodation for those under temporary protection. Following the evictions in Kocs, temporary accommodation was arranged for the refugees, but concerns remain about what will happen after this short-term solution expires.
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