On 13 June the European Court of Justice (ECJ) delivered its judgment in an infringement case initiated by the European Commission (EC) against Hungary. The court imposed a fine of €200 million (approximately 80 billion HUF) on Hungary for failing to implement a previous court ruling. Additionally, Hungary faces a daily fine of €1 million (approximately 400 million HUF) until it amends the legislation that allows the - often violent - pushbacks of asylum seekers and the country's borders.

This ruling reflects ongoing tensions between the Hungarian government and EU institutions over Hungary's non-compliance with EU asylum directives with its restrictive asylum procedures. Specifically, Hungary requires asylum seekers to submit their applications at designated embassies in Kyiv or Belgrade before entering the country (the so-called embassy procedure). This system was ruled incompatible with the EU's 2013 directive on international protection - asylum applications must be allowed to be lodged at the borders of member states without undue administrative hurdles - by the ECJ.

In response to the ruling, Hungarian officials expressed regret and criticised the court. They argue that their approach to asylum is essential to protect the country's borders and maintain security. Gergely Gulyás, minister of the Prime Minister's Office, argued that the timing of the ruling (which was announced after the recent European Parliament elections) was strategic and unfair. He also contended that the fine was disproportionately high in comparison with the initial penalties suggested by the EC. 

The Hungarian government signalled its intent to review the ruling and explore potential responses, stating that such a fine would place financial strain on the country.