Hungary to Continue Granting Asylum to Draft-Age Ukrainian Nationals Despite EU Decision
Quick Look
- Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar stated Hungary will continue granting asylum to draft-age Ukrainian nationals avoiding military service, despite an EU decision to end temporary protection for such individuals.
- He called the EU decision unfair and said Hungary will help those in need, particularly ethnic Hungarians from Transcarpathia, whose numbers he said are growing.
- Magyar informed EU leaders, including European Council President Antonio Costa, of his stance during Costa's visit to Budapest.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The EU recently decided to end temporary protection for draft-age Ukrainian men seeking to avoid military service in the conflict with Russia. Hungary opposed this measure and has declared its intention to continue offering asylum to such individuals, particularly ethnic Hungarians from Ukraine's Transcarpathia region.
BUDAPEST, September 3. /TASS/. Hungary will continue granting asylum to draft-age Ukrainian nationals even as the EU has told member nations not to do so, Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar said.
"Several weeks ago, the European Union made a decision that it would no longer grant temporary protection to draft-age Ukrainian men who are seeking to evade taking part in hostilities between Ukraine and Russia. Hungary voted against this measure and, in line with Wednesday’s government resolution, reserves the right to continue granting this status to draft-age men who arrive in its territory," he told reporters after a government meeting.
He said that he views this EU decision as unfair. "Hungary will take a different route and offer help to those who need it," he pledged.
"This primarily concerns ethnic Hungarians from Transcarpathia," he said, adding that the number of ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine who don't want to fight "continues to grow."
According to Magyar, he informed other EU leaders about his stance. On Wednesday, he informed European Council President Antonio Costa of his decision. Costa was on a visit to Budapest.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Hungary will continue to grant asylum to draft-age Ukrainian nationals despite EU pressure
Very likely · Within months
The number of ethnic Hungarians from Ukraine seeking asylum in Hungary will continue to grow
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- How many draft-age Ukrainians has Hungary granted asylum to so far?
- What legal basis does Hungary cite for defying the EU decision?
- Will other EU members follow Hungary's lead in granting asylum?
- How has Ukraine responded to Hungary's policy?
