Hungary Faces Billions in Costs for EU Migration Pact Implementation

Hungary could face substantial financial burdens to comply with the European Union's migration pact, according to calculations by Ellenpont. The implementation necessitates the creation of a migrant camp with a capacity for 7,716 individuals.

The initial estimates project construction costs between 2.5 and 3.2 billion forints (approximately $6.9 million to $8.8 million USD). Annual maintenance expenses are expected to exceed 12 billion forints ($33 million USD). These figures, however, do not include the costs associated with broader infrastructural developments, suggesting the final expenditure could be considerably higher.

Ellenpont based its calculations on standards set by the UN Refugee Agency and the Sphere international humanitarian organization. These guidelines mandate a minimum of 4.5 to 5.5 square meters of living space per person during heating seasons. For families, the requirements are more extensive, with a five-person migrant family needing at least 17.5 square meters of accommodation, equating to a minimum of 3.5 square meters per person.

Two primary models for housing migrants are typically employed: emergency tent camps or more structured facilities. Ellenpont's estimates for tent camps consider standard UNHCR family tents, each accommodating five people. To house 7,716 individuals, approximately 1,544 tents would be required, with each tent costing around $480 USD (about 147,000 forints). This calculation focuses on the minimal foreseeable costs, and the total outlay could escalate.