Inaction is dangerous and utterly delusional

TOMORROW, Hungary votes on whether or not it will be bound by the European Union’s quota system for refugees. The question is simple: “Do you want the European Union to be able to mandate the obligatory resettlement of non-Hungarian citizens to Hungary even without the approval of the national assembly?

The border-fence-building Prime minister Viktor Orbán is the driving force behind the referendum that requires at least a 50% voter turnout to validate whatever decision is reached. His vehemently anti-immigrant government has spent €16 million trying to secure a “No” vote and, like his American peer Donald Trump, he has not let the truth get in the way of a powerful but inaccurate slogan. One suggests that immigrants have established 900 lawless “no-go zones” across Europe. It seems, that as in most debates on this issue, we are in a post actual world where the truth is whatever you want it to be, whatever will win the argument and feed your local project fear. Should Hungary vote to reject the EU quotas, and it is feared that it will, then this will be another body blow to the EU and its policies on immigration, largely shaped, and encouraged by German chancellor Angela Merkel. It will also undermine European solidarity and encourage those across Europe who have been inspired by the Britexit vote and want to see the EU weakened if not destroyed. A “No” vote would add to the momentum chipping away at project Europe and should concern us all. It would also raise the obvious question — which member state will be next to reject a core EU principle? And which principle?

Reports suggest that anti-immigrant hatred in Hungary has gone beyond anything rational. It certainly seems to echo some of Europe’s worst excesses. However, as the Comptroller and Auditor General’s report published yesterday showed, we cannot be too self-righteous on immigration or our pretty inadequate response to the escalating crisis.