In September 2015, Hungary declared a "state of emergency related to mass immigration" in response to a large influx of refugees arriving on its territory. This measure allowed the government to implement stricter border controls, including the construction of a physical barrier along the Serbian border, grant expanded powers to law enforcement, and impose heavy fines on those attempting to enter the country illegally. The state of emergency was initially intended as a temporary response to the refugee crisis, but it was repeatedly extended, even as the number of arrivals declined. By March 2016, the measure had become a permanent part of Hungary's legal framework and was used as a political tool by the government led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. On Friday, September 4, Hungary’s current Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, extended the state of emergency until December 31, despite the original deadline for its expiration being Monday, September 7. This decision was linked to recent events in Ceuta, a Spanish city located on the northern coast of Africa, where large numbers of migrants attempted to cross into Europe. Magyar stated that these events "highlighted the flaws in the protection of the European external borders," and he emphasized that the renewal was aimed at "concluding an agreement with the EU on a new regulation" to manage migration flows more effectively. Magyar expressed a desire for a new EU-wide regulation that would strengthen border protection while also addressing a recent legal issue. In June 2024, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) imposed fines on Hungary for failing to comply with European asylum laws. The new regulation, according to Magyar, should allow Hungary to maintain its border controls while avoiding such penalties. He expressed regret over the lack of a "solution that would guarantee the full application" of EU asylum laws, suggesting that the current system is inadequate in addressing migration challenges effectively. Hungary's continued use of the state of emergency reflects its broader approach to managing migration, which emphasizes national sovereignty and control over borders. The government has long argued that EU regulations on asylum and migration are too lax and do not account for the security concerns of individual member states. As negotiations with the EU continue, Hungary's stance on migration policy remains a central issue in both domestic and European politics.