Hungary to close transit zone camps for asylum-seekers

For years, Brussels has been at loggerheads with the Hungarian government over a host of issues – migrants, the rights of minorities, media freedoms, the independence of the justice system and, most recently, over Russia and Ukraine. Long-standing tensions are coming to a head as Hungary delays a proposed EU aid package to Ukraine, while the EU holds up billions of euros in funding to Hungary over rule-of-law concerns.

The EU has pledged to free a part of the funds earmarked for Hungary in exchange for Budapest allowing joint funding for Ukraine. Hungary has also announced it would start debating Finland's and Sweden's NATO membership.

Hungary's PM Orban personally accused of corruption: DW's Terri Schultz

The top human rights court in Europe has found Hungary guilty of violating the rights of a refugee who died in 2016. Hungary has one of the worst records on refugee protections in Europe.

Asylum seekers in Greece have had to leave their apartments and move back into refugee camps. Athens says that standards in the camps are high, but migration experts say it's an attempt to deter others.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said cutting off relations with Russia would not be in the country's national interest. Hungary is heavily reliant on Russia for its energy needs.

Hungary wants to become a key producer of electric vehicle batteries. Government spending has attracted investments, including a new Chinese gigafactory.

The 86-year-old pontiff capped his trip to Hungary with a final Mass in Budapest on a sunny spring morning, with thousands having gathered for the blessing. He told people to fight the "closed doors" of nationalism.

The pope reiterated his calls for welcoming migrants after a meeting with nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban. He will also lead an open-air mass outside parliament on Sunday.

In Canada, there has been a marked increase in the number of Mexican travelers seeking asylum at Montreal's airport since early last year. Since 2016, these travelers have been allowed to arrive without visa stipulations, a result of new entry regulations revised by the then newly-elected Liberal government.

Hungary is scheduled to assume the rotating presidency of the European Union in 2024. However, members of the European Parliament are expressing skepticism about its worthiness for the post.

Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban told state television last week they would not implement it. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed confidence in the plan, saying it presents member countries with several options.