EU Takes Legal Action Against Hungary Over Migrant Smuggling Law

The European Commission has initiated legal proceedings against Hungary for failing to abide by EU regulations on migrant smuggling. A Hungarian law allows smuggling convicts to serve their sentences abroad, undermining EU efforts to combat smuggling as these sentences are not consistently enforced internationally.

The European Commission announced on Monday that it is initiating legal action against Hungary over its failure to comply with EU regulations concerning migrant smuggling penalties.

A Hungarian law, enacted in 2023, permits individuals convicted of smuggling to be released early from prison and serve their sentences in another country.

The EU contends this legislation undermines efforts to combat smuggling, as Hungary does not ensure these sentences are effectively enforced outside its borders.

(With inputs from agencies.)