Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban says his country does not want to take in large numbers of Muslims.
His comments came during a visit to Brussels on Thursday aimed at defending Budapest's tough response to a surge in refugees and migrants.
"I think we have a right to decide that we do not want a large number of Muslim people in our country," Orban told journalists.
"We do not like the consequences," he added, referring to the country's 150-year history of Ottoman rule during the 16th and 17th Century.
His comments were the latest in a tit-for-tat involving other EU leaders over how to handle the European Union's biggest influx of refugees and migrants since World War II, with many fleeing war-torn countries such as Syria and Afghanistan.
Hungary has become a key transit country for thousands trying to reach Western Europe, and Germany in particular.
In response, it has built a 175km fence on its border with non-EU member Serbia, and is refusing to let people leave the country without being registered.
From September 15, Orban said border management will involve the "full presence of the police and military," under laws that parliament is expected to approve on Friday. These are also to include harsh sentences for people illegally crossing the border.
The premier said Hungary's response to the migration surge sent a warning to people fleeing war and persecution.
"Please don't come ... It's risky to come. We can't guarantee that you will be accepted," he said, arguing that it would not be right to give people false hopes.
Orban was in Brussels for talks with top EU officials on how to handle the migration surge. He criticised EU plans to redistribute refugees across the bloc, arguing that any talk of quotas is seen as an "invitation" by those who want to reach Europe.
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