Hungarian PM Orban says Will Fight after EU Ruling on Migrant Quota

Hungary will acknowledge the verdict and respect the rule of law as an EU member, Orban said on Friday, commenting on the ruling by the European Court of Justice earlier this week that upheld the EU's migrant relocation scheme.

"But this is not a reason to change an immigration policy that rejects migrants", Orban said.

"We must take note of the ruling as we can not erode the foundation of the European Union - and respect of law is the foundation of the European Union - but at the same time this court ruling is no reason for us to change our policy, which rejects migrants", Orban told state radio.

"We are not an immigrant country and Hungary does not want to be an immigrant country", said Mr Orban.

Paving the way for a further political clashes, he said: 'The real battle is only just beginning'.

In a written response to Orban, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker also reminded the Hungarian leader that his country was the largest recipient of EU developments funds in terms of gross domestic product, with the 25 billion euros allocated in 2014-2020 totaling over 3 percent of Hungary's GDP.

"The whole issue raises a very serious question of principles: whether we are an alliance of European free nations with the Commission representing our joint interests, or a European empire which has its centre in Brussels and which can issue orders", Orban said.

He also points out that unlike many other major EU Member States, Hungary does not have an obligation to receive immigrants stemming from their colonial history. "Slovakia and Hungary have tried to dodge the EU's system for solidarity, but each country has a role to play in protecting people fleeing violence and persecution".

The court's decision is final and not open to appeal. Countries refusing to abide by the programme risk facing fines.

Describing immigration as "poison", Orban has been at the forefront of a rebellion in eastern and central Europe against the quotas.

Hungary built razor-wire fences on its southern borders in late 2015, when some 400,000 migrants from the Middle East and Asia passed through the country on their way to Western Europe.

The hardline measures, which were denounced by Brussels, slowed the influx of refugees and illegals to a trickle until the so-called "Balkan Route" was effectively closed in March 2016.

As the United Kingdom has an opt-out on European Union rules regarding asylum, it decided not to take part in the scheme.

According to Orban, Hungary spent about 880 million euros to protect the borders, including the construction of the fence.

Orban says in his second letter dated September 6 to European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker that he was "stunned and puzzled to read that you and the European Commission are refusing to provide funding for the fence".

In July, the EU Commission threatened the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland with lawsuits for not implementing the relocation measures.

While Poland backed the case of Slovakia and Hungary, Belgium, Germany, Greece, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Sweden and the European Commission argued in support of the council, the press release said.