The European Union is amid a fierce debate over immigration policy as Hungary’s prime minister challenges a proposed plan to admit tens of thousands of newcomers each year. Viktor Orbán argues that such a scheme would amount to an ugly coup against national sovereignty, while EU leaders work on a delivery mechanism already endorsed by interior ministers earlier in the year. The Polish prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, joined the chorus, yet the two leaders face pressure from others who back the deal and its goal of shared responsibility across the bloc. The disagreement intensified as some leaders prepared to support the proposal and others to oppose its terms, including financial commitments tied to the arrangement. Negotiations stalled as ministers sought a path forward that would balance security, solidarity, and respect for member-state autonomy.
EU policy on immigration has long operated under intricate rules requiring broad support within the Council of the European Union. In the wake of the migration crisis that began several years ago, Warsaw and Budapest anchored their approach in political agreements reached by national leaders in 2018. They stayed wary of ceding control to supranational processes, even as other leaders urged a more unified direction. The final conclusions, shaped through extended discussions, were delivered by a mediator aiming to bridge divergent national positions. The meeting concluded with a statement that the bloc had taken a meaningful step, noting approval by a qualified majority and signaling progress on a topic that has repeatedly tested unity in council sessions.
The presidency of the EU passed to Spain, with the Swedish prime minister noting this provided a solid foundation for continued work. Ulv Kristersson, the current EU president, urged perseverance, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed the need to accelerate negotiations under Spanish stewardship to aim for a political settlement within the year. The European Commission chief, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed confidence that Spanish leadership could help steer talks toward a successful conclusion.
Spain’s leadership acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue and called for a balanced outcome that focuses on responsibility and solidarity. Leaders from Poland and Hungary remained skeptical, and private sessions did not fully ease their concerns. Giorgia Meloni, representing Italy and an ally in the broader political family, acted as a mediator, seeking to bridge divergences that had led to vetoes from both Warsaw and Budapest earlier in the process. The evolving dynamics highlighted the resilience of national interests alongside the bloc’s commitment to a cohesive approach on immigration policy.
Diplomatic sources note that the more ideological tensions stem from Poland’s insistence on decisions being taken unanimously. Others point out that reopening the previously agreed deal is unlikely, given that interior ministers had already finalized arrangements on June 8. It is recalled that European leaders tasked the Council with pursuing an accord before the current legislative term ends in June 2024, underscoring the urgency of achieving consensus within a tight timetable.
partnership agreements
A central point of discussion across all members is the formalization of partnership agreements with southern neighboring countries. The European Commission is negotiating with Tunisia as a means to influence regional stability, strengthen border management, expand search and rescue capabilities, and counter organized crime while managing immigration legally. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz underscored the need for workers with diverse skills, emphasizing the economic dimension of migration and the importance of structured cooperation with neighboring states.
The European Commission proposed a 12 billion euro item within the new budget framework for 2024–2027 to address immigration-related challenges. While this item did not dominate the summit, several member states see it as a starting point. Italy views funding as essential not only for reinforcing borders but also for broad cooperation with third countries such as Tunisia. Others, including Hungary, oppose enlarging the budget for immigration, arguing that increased funding could encourage irregular migration and complicate national controls.
Throughout the discussions, officials and observers note the delicate balance between protecting national interests and advancing a unified EU stance on migration. The dialogue centers on how to operationalize solidarity without compromising sovereignty, how to finance shared priorities, and how to maintain a credible mediator role for the EU on the global stage.