Austria has extended its internal border controls with Czechia for 20 days until December 2023, as part of an effort to combat people smuggling and terrorism. The decision was made by the Ministry of Interior of Austria, Gerhard Karner, who emphasised the importance of border controls in the fight against human smuggling and terrorism. Austria currently conducts border controls with Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia, along with intensive controls near the borders with Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein.
The decision to extend border controls with Slovenia was made due to smuggling and terrorism concerns. The Austrian Ministry of Interior noted that the measures have proven effective so far, with a 50% reduction in apprehensions in 2023. Austria has also extended its border controls with Slovakia to end human trafficking and irregular migration, keeping them in place until November 2023.
Austria is not the only country keeping in place internal border controls. Ten other Schengen member states, including France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Poland, also implement internal border controls. Some countries have recently introduced controls while others have extended them a couple of times.
Austria historically championed open borders but adjusted its stance due to the European Migration Crisis of 2015. Since then, the Austrians have been balancing their security concerns. Austria argues that it is pragmatic, advocating temporary border controls when necessary at times when migration pressures increase. The approach reflects a commitment to both European integration and addressing challenges collaboratively.
The country also actively engages with neighbors and supports EU initiatives, emphasizing the delicate balance between free movement and effective border management in response to evolving circumstances. The Austrian government will play an important role in crafting the EU’s new migration law, expected to be voted on before the European Parliament elections next summer.
