GETTY Bakondi claims the referendum will convey an important message to Europe

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On Monday, Jean Claude-Juncker told reporters the EU "quota regulation" on immigrants was based on the principle of working together. But Gyorgy Bakondi, the Hungarian prime minister's chief security advisor, has hit back against the EU leader, saying security is far more important than support for EU neighbours. The Hungarian PM Viktor Orban has fiercely opposed the EU's plans to relocate 160,000 migrants around the bloc by using mandatory quotas.

GETTY Hungarian PM Viktor Orban has fiercely opposed the EU's plans to relocate 160,000 migrants

Now his citizens will be asked whether they want to accept any future quota system for resettling migrants in a referendum to be held in September or October. Residents will be asked: "Do you want the European Union to be entitled to prescribe the mandatory settlement of non-Hungarian citizens in Hungary without the consent of parliament?" Bakondi claims the referendum will convey an important message to Europe, and the government will be obliged to put forward the results at any future EU negotiations over immigration.

GETTY Hungary is also applying new approaches to halting illegal migration

Do you want the European Union to be entitled to prescribe the mandatory settlement of non-Hungarian citizens in Hungary without the consent of parliament? Hungarian referendum question

He said Hungary is also applying new approaches to halting illegal migration, including the technical border barrier and the presence of police and military officers along the borders. The Chief Security Advisor pointed out that one of the big questions for autumn is whether there will be a shift in the EU’s position on immigration, adding the union could see changes as more and more member states introduce border control activities. According to data compiled by the Hungarian news site Index, turnout for the referendum will comfortably surpass the 50 per cent required to make it valid under the country’s laws.

GETTY Bakondi said security is far more important than support for EU neighbours