On Friday, December 6th, the national conservative group Patriots for Europe (PfE) unveiled a significant political proposal, marking a pivotal moment in their advocacy efforts. This ambitious initiative, named the Budapest Declaration due to its introduction in the Hungarian Parliament, challenges the European Union’s current approach to migration and calls for a comprehensive overhaul of its policies. PfE argues that the EU’s existing migration framework, introduced just before the European elections in June, falls short of addressing both public sentiment and the priorities of member states.
The Budapest Declaration outlines a firm commitment to safeguarding Europe’s external borders, halting illegal migration, and preserving the continent’s cultural and security framework. According to the declaration, the current Migration Pact focuses on managing the consequences of migration without tackling the root causes, thereby maintaining incentives for unauthorized crossings. The group also criticizes the hurried adoption of the pact by mainstream parties, noting that it lacked unanimous support among member states, bypassed the possibility of a veto, and was finalized before European citizens had a chance to express their electoral will in June. These circumstances, the declaration claims, undermine the pact’s legitimacy and call for its immediate abandonment in favor of a more representative and effective policy.
The Patriots propose an alternative vision for migration policy, emphasizing robust external border control and greater autonomy for individual member states. Their recommendations include several key measures designed to address systemic shortcomings and enhance the ability of nations to secure their borders:
- Strict Regulation of Illegal Entry: Only permit migrants to enter EU territory after their asylum applications have been approved.
- Third-Country Processing Facilities: Allocate EU budget resources to establish reception and deportation centers outside the Union, similar to Italy’s proposed ‘Albania Protocol.’ These facilities would operate in designated “safe countries,” and individuals attempting unauthorized entry would face lifetime bans, drawing inspiration from Australia’s approach.
- Expedited Deportations: Streamline the deportation process and leverage diplomatic and economic pressure on countries that resist repatriation efforts.
- Tougher Measures Against NGOs: Introduce stringent regulations on non-governmental organizations that facilitate or encourage illegal migration.
- Addressing Demographic Challenges: Support member states in creating family-centered policies to combat declining birth rates as an alternative to reliance on migration.
- Sovereignty in Border Management: Grant member states the authority to take independent actions to protect their borders if the EU fails to implement these reforms effectively.
- Reevaluation of Refugee Status: Review the status of refugees currently residing in Europe, with a focus on deporting those involved in violent or organized crime.
- End Border Protection Sanctions: Immediately revoke penalties against member states for unilateral actions to secure their borders.
The Budapest Declaration emphasizes that many of these demands align with the preferences of EU member states, as evidenced during recent Council discussions. While the European Commission has initiated steps to address some of these concerns, such as through the development of a Returns Directive, PfE insists that piecemeal updates will not suffice. A complete rethinking of migration policy is necessary to restore sovereignty and meet the expectations of European citizens.
Jordan Bardella, Chair of PfE, described, during the session of the “Study Days”, mass migration as the gravest threat to Europe’s future, warning that it could irreversibly transform nation-states and create enclaves governed by non-Western laws.
Kinga Gál, Vice-Chair of PfE, criticized the pro-migration majority in Brussels for pushing outdated solutions in the EU’s Migration Pact. She argued that these policies encourage migration rather than curbing it, necessitating a complete overhaul. Gál outlined the group’s proposals, which focus on bolstering external border protection and banning illegal crossings. She emphasized that only those with legal permission to enter and remain in the EU should be allowed entry. The Patriots for Europe group denounced the EU’s migration policies, criticizing the political pressure exerted on leaders and nations fighting illegal migration independently. Gál reiterated that the EU’s approach requires fundamental change, focusing on protecting the sovereignty of member states while addressing migration as a critical issue threatening Europe’s future.
László Kövér, Speaker of Hungary’s Parliament, expressed strong criticism of the European Commission. Kövér accused the Commission of prioritizing the interests of external private powers over Europe’s well-being, resulting in growing political, economic, and social instability across the continent. He described Europe as being subjected to a “symbolic political, economic, and cultural carpet bombing,” warning that the risk of actual conflict is escalating.
Kövér lauded the PfE group as a beacon of hope for Europe, likening it to “a green sprig on a tree pruned by harmful hands.” He suggested that the group has a historic mission to rebuild Europe politically, economically, and culturally. At the ideological level, he commended the Patriots for defending common sense against abnormality, patriotism against globalism in politics, and nation-states against EU federalism. Kövér also emphasized the importance of collaborating with American patriots to safeguard democratic states against undemocratic private interests seeking covert dominance.
The declaration concluded with a strong affirmation of member state autonomy. It insists that each country must retain the right to determine who is allowed entry into its territory, framing this as a fundamental principle for safeguarding European identity, culture, security, and well-being. The Patriots assert their resolve to advocate for a Europe that prioritizes the sovereignty and distinct cultural heritage of its nations while ensuring the safety of its people.
The session highlighted a shared vision among the PfE’s members to reform Europe’s approach to migration, emphasizing sovereignty, security, and cultural preservation as foundational principles for the continent’s survival and prosperity.
The gathering of PfE members in Budapest carries profound symbolic weight. The meeting not only solidifies the unity among right-wing forces across Europe but also underscores Budapest’s pivotal role in shaping the conservative political landscape of the continent.
The event reflects the growing momentum of right-leaning ideologies across Europe. The continuous expansion of the Patriots for Europe coalition and its increasing influence within the European Parliament signal the emergence of a revitalized political force. It was noted by the experts. This movement, strongly championed by Hungary and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s leadership, highlights the steady rise of conservative values as a central element of Europe’s evolving political framework.
The Patriots for Europe (PfE), now established as the third-largest political group in the European Parliament, represents a dynamic and evolving coalition committed to upholding sovereignty, defending national interests, and preserving traditional values. This movement emphasizes the importance of protecting individual member states’ rights while fostering a shared vision rooted in cultural and historical identity.
On the margins of the “Study Days” in Budapest, on Friday in the Carmelite Monastery, Prime Minister-President of Fidesz Viktor Orbán received President of the French National Rally Jordan Bardella, Bertalan Havasi, the Prime Minister’s press chief informed the Hungarian news agency MTI.
Mr Orbán and Mr Bardella reviewed the political situation that developed after three groups of the European Parliament – the socialists, the liberals and the European People’s Party – had formed a grand coalition, the press chief reported.
The Patriots for Europe party alliance – of which both Fidesz and the National Rally are members – will fight against the Brussels pact, they stated.
“We are the opposition of pro-migration and pro-war Brussels, the Patriots represent the future, while the parties to the Brussels pact represent the failed past,” the party leaders established at the meeting.
