Greece and Hungary have signed a memorandum of cooperation in Budapest, focusing on asylum management and irregular migration. The agreement was reached in anticipation of the implementation of the new European Pact on Migration that will take into effect starting 12 June 2026.
The memorandum follows an official request from Hungarian authorities who sought Greek expertise on border and asylum procedures. According to the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, Hungary aims to familiarise its own national services with the new EU border processes that are expected to take effect under the Pact.
The new European Pact on Migration and Asylum mandates that all EU members establish a common, harmonised operational model for examining international protection claims, setting hospitality standards, and intensifying the return of individuals not entitled to asylum across all EU member states.
Hungary’s decision to seek Greece’s assistance acknowledges the extensive experience Greece has accumulated in managing migration flows as a frontline state at the European Union’s external borders. In the past, countries in the Western Balkans, Moldova, Cyprus, and Bulgaria and the UK have also reached out to the Greek government for support.
Under the newly signed MoU, Greece will share information regarding current asylum procedures. The two countries will also participate in joint technical cooperation initiatives and studies aimed at capacity building and strengthening national structures.
Yet, while framed as information exchange for migration management, some Greek media remains skeptical about the intentions of the Greek government, indicating that it may, in turn, adopt a more Orban-esque plan for migration that could contradict European agreements.
In June 2024, Hungary was found guilty by the European Court of Justice and was fined €200 million for non-compliance with European asylum law.
The Luxembourg court had first ruled in December 2020 that Hungary failed to comply EU rules regarding the treatment of migrants. It unlawfully detained and deported them before they could appeal the rejection of their applications.
Cover Photo / Credit: Hellenic Ministry of Migration and Asylum
