In the picturesque setting of Granada, where history whispers from every corner, the recent EU summit unfolded with an unexpected drama that echoed far beyond the cobblestone streets. At the center of it all stood Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, unyielding in his resistance to proposed laws aimed at addressing the ever-sensitive issue of migration.
In an unforeseen twist, Poland joined Hungary in its protest, accusing Brussels of imposing a “diktat” on member states regarding these proposed migration laws. The proposed laws were designed to handle scenarios like the 2015 refugee crisis, a moment when over a million souls sought refuge in the EU from the turmoil in Syria and beyond.
Orbán, known for his provocative rhetoric, described the situation as akin to a legal violation, a sentiment echoed by many in Hungary and Poland. He argued that unanimous support was necessary for these laws, while the European Council insisted on a majority vote.
In the midst of this heated debate, Orbán posed a powerful question: “If you are raped legally, forced to accept something you don’t like, how would you like to have a compromise and agreement? It’s impossible.”
To prevent this rift from overshadowing the entire summit, EU leaders decided to omit a 119-word paragraph related to migration from their final communique. Instead, they adopted a “Granada declaration” covering other critical topics, reaffirming their commitment to the proposed migration laws separately.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sought to downplay the Hungarian and Polish objections, emphasizing the broad support these laws enjoyed at the summit. She emphasized the need to address root causes of migration and provide safe pathways for those seeking refuge, discouraging dangerous journeys orchestrated by smugglers and traffickers.
The road ahead remains uncertain, with migration returning to the agenda in a couple of weeks when EU leaders meet again. By then, tensions with Poland may have subsided, with a general election in the rearview mirror.
This recent clash between Hungary, Poland, and the EU mirrors a previous episode from June, where the two countries attempted to block draft migration laws. In both instances, the question of how to handle migration continues to challenge the unity of the EU.
While these disagreements overshadowed some aspects of the summit, leaders did discuss broader strategies for the European Union, including the delicate issue of enlargement, welcoming up to 10 new countries, including Ukraine and Moldova. These discussions reveal that the EU’s journey forward is a complex and nuanced one, echoing the rich history of Granada itself, where ancient stones bear witness to the enduring spirit of change and cooperation.
