Hungary's Border Fence: A Necessary Cost or a Point of Contention?

Hungary's Border Fence: Szijjártó Defends Cost Amidst EU Scrutiny BUDAPEST, May 31, 2025 – Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó today defended the cost of Hungary's border fence, asserting that the price is justified by the need to secure the country and protect its identity. His statement, delivered in a short video, highlights ongoing tensions with the European Union over migration policies. "We had to protect ourselves, our security, and our identity from illegal migration," Szijjártó stated in the video. He further argued that the fence is a necessary measure to prevent the influx of migrants, framing it as an investment in national security. The video also references criticism of the fence's cost, with Szijjártó suggesting that the daily fine imposed on Hungary by the EU is a smaller price to pay for national security. He cited a conversation with the Speaker of the Knesset, Amir, who reportedly called the fence a worthwhile investment. The EU has repeatedly criticized Hungary's migration policies, citing concerns about human rights and the rule of law. This video represents the Hungarian government's latest attempt to justify its actions to both domestic and international audiences. The long-term implications of the border fence and its cost remain a subject of ongoing debate.