Yesterday, EU Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn responded to Hungary’s decision to grant asylum to Nikola Gruevski, after the former prime minister boasted about it on Facebook. Hahn said that if it were true, he expects a sound explanation from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán regarding the grounds of such a decision.
“I take notes of reports about Hungary’s decision to grant political asylum to Nikola Gruevski. If confirmed, I expect a sound explanation of its grounds by Viktor Orbán.
I take note of reports about #Hungary’s decision to grant political asylum to @GruevskiNikola. If confirmed, I expect a sound explanation of its grounds by @Viktor_Orban. 1/2
— Johannes Hahn (@JHahnEU) November 21, 2018
The EU Commissioner explained that he was surprised that Hungary granted asylum to Gruevski and called Macedonia an insecure country, while at the same time supporting the country’s membership in the EU.
“The rule of law remains a fundamental principle for Member States and candidate countries. It is crucial for Europe’s credibility. I am surprised that Hungary supports Macedonia’s EU memberhsip, but does not consider it safe, “Hahn added.
The #RuleofLaw remains a fundamental principle for Member States and accession candidates alike. It is crucial for #Europe’s credibility. Surprising that #Hungary supports 🇲🇰 #EU membership but does not consider it safe. 2/2
— Johannes Hahn (@JHahnEU) November 21, 2018