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Managing migration in an effective and holistic way through fostering returns (debate)
When the migration debate broke out, Hungary was almost alone in its position that migration must be stopped because it would fundamentally change Europe. We can remember what anger tsunami poured down on the Hungarian government for standing up for border protection. It's been nine years, and the consequences are drastic. Nearly 4 million attempts to cross the border illegally, 8 million asylum applications, mostly from countries where they are not actually persecuted. Even if expulsion decisions are taken, they cannot be enforced by the authorities. What is happening has many victims: Victim is the public safety of many European cities, and to mention a new victim: the Schengen system. Europe is losing the achievement of free movement before our eyes. At the level of words, we can already hear the sounds of awakening, but actions are about something else. Hungary will not receive financial support for its border fence, and will even receive a fine of EUR 200 million for protecting its borders. We don't expect anyone to follow Hungary and say that we were right. Even if we were right. We are waiting for a change of direction in European migration policy. We can only hope it's not too late.