‘Yet nearly two decades later, Spain appears increasingly unprepared to manage a renewed wave of migratory pressure. In 2023 alone, over 56,000 migrants arrived by sea, with more than 61,000 arrivals recorded by the end of April 2024. The Canary Islands remain the epicentre, experiencing a 140 per cent year-on-year increase.’
‘People who come illegally are breaking the law. People who come in very large numbers, illegally or not, are changing the country. And that’s the main issue today: the impact of immigration on the character of Western countries with strong and unique cultures that their peoples have every right to take pride in and preserve…’
‘From India to Tunisia, Madagascar to Sri Lanka, young scholars are engaging with Hungarian institutions to address global challenges. Hungary’s higher education and research communities are increasingly international—a quiet but real testament to the enduring value of Hungarian academic and cultural diplomacy.’
Hungary and Slovakia enjoy their strongest relations ever, PM Orbán said after talks with Slovak PM Fico in Bratislava. The leaders discussed trade, energy, and sovereignty, and pledged infrastructure projects and closer cooperation within the EU.
Penalties related to Hungary’s dispute with the European Commission over migration policy exceeded €500 million by mid-April. Following a verdict by the European Court of Justice, Hungary is obliged to pay €1 million per day—among other fines—until it implements legislation in compliance with EU law.
Hungary’s Parliament passed the 15th amendment to the Constitution, reinforcing traditional gender definitions, enshrining the right to pay with cash, and tightening rules on dual citizenship and government powers in emergencies.
In a 5–4 decision, the US Supreme Court ruled that a Federal Judge in DC had no power to halt the deportation of 200 Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador, and the challenge should have been filed in Texas, where the illegal migrants were detained. However, the ruling also stressed that it does not address the constitutionality of using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport illegal migrants.
‘The proposals of some governments and the thinking behind them may raise questions about the future of the new asylum and migration pact, which is due to enter into force in 2026 and includes the idea of binding quotas. Nevertheless, practice shows that Member States want to see fewer and fewer migrants on their territory.’
The Danube Institute hosted an event dedicated to free speech in the UK and Brexit titled ‘Renewing UK Politics: Conservative Challenges and the Road to Prosperity’. The panel featured Senior Researcher Guy Dampier and Managing Director Dr Radomir Tylecote from the London-based conservative think tank Prosperity Institute, as well as Visiting Fellow Doug Stokes from the Danube Institute.
Hungary remains committed to its strict migration policy, which enjoys broad public support, according to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s chief security adviser György Bakondi. Speaking on national television, he stressed that Hungary prioritizes national security and aims to influence European migration policies.