The Center for Studies, Training and Social Analysis (CEFAS) of the San Pablo CEU University Foundation, together with the Royal Institute of European Studies of the CEU San Pablo University, organized a conference on Hungary’s migration response to the war in Ukraine.

The speakers at the event were the Hungarian Undersecretary for Immigration Challenges and North American Affairs, Ferenc Dancs, and the Professor of International Relations at CEU San Pablo University, Antonio Alonso Marcos. The conference was chaired by the Vice Rector for Faculty and Research at CEU San Pablo University, Agustín Probanza Lobo, and was moderated by Professor of International Public Law, Álvaro Silva Soto.

Hungary’s response to the war in Ukraine

The Hungarian Under-Secretary for Immigration Challenges and North American Affairs, stated during his speech at CEU San Pablo University that they are facing a huge migration problem. A situation that requires solutions for the people who are directly suffering from this war. “Every day we are supporting people. It is painful to see the families arriving from Ukraine, many of them are women and children”, said Dancs. He also stressed the importance of taking measures to receive the refugees and highlighted the government’s decision to modify the regulations so that Ukrainians who arrive can find work as foreigners, as well as the financial, logistical, and linguistic support that the Hungarian government is offering.

Europe and the challenges of migration

The lecturer in International Relations at the CEU San Pablo University explained the migratory challenges that the European Union has been facing for several years. He also explained the policies that have been implemented in the Union since the first refugee crisis in 2015. According to Professor Alonso, these measures have helped to tackle the current migratory situation. “We are living in a different world” where Europe is surrounded by people living through terrible times, he said. During his speech, he also referred to the European Union’s commitment to people who are suffering and pointed out the lack of political due to the situation in Ukraine.