Austria has decided to extend its internal border controls with Hungary and Slovenia for another six months.
Announcing the news, the Ministry of Interior of Austria said that the border measure will be extended from today, November 12, 2024, and will remain effective until May 2025, Schengen.News reports.
By extending the land border controls with these two of its neighbouring countries, Austria aims to put an end to all irregular border activities.
As the Ministry explained, the number of arrests in Burgenland has dropped significantly in recent years. However, according to the authority, continued border controls are necessary to combat human trafficking and irregular migration to the country.
Border Controls Are Decisive Factor in Fight Against Irregular Migration, Minister Karner Says
Austria Minister of Interior Gerhard Karner also shared the same opinion on the matter. Commenting on the extension of border controls with Hungary and Slovenia, Minister Karner said that this measure is a decisive factor in the fight against irregular migration to Austria and the bloc.
This is not the first time that Austria has extended its border controls with Hungary and Slovenia. Austria initially introduced internal border controls with these two countries in 2015, and the measure has since then been extended on and off.
The last extension of border controls with Hungary and Slovenia took place in May of this year when Austria decided to prolong the measure for a period of six months.
Several Schengen Countries Currently Have Internal Border Controls in Place
Austria is not the only Schengen member state that is currently keeping border controls in place. Currently, another seven Schengen/EU countries are carrying out border controls. These countries are Germany, Denmark, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and Slovenia.
Germany decided to reintroduce internal border controls at all its land borders on September 16. Since then, border authorities have been carrying out checks on all those entering the territory of Germany from any of its neighbouring countries.
In the first day of this month, France also reinstated border controls with all of its neighbouring countries. The aim of this measure, according to the French authorities, is to combat irregular migration and ensure national security amid increased terrorist threats.
In addition to the above-mentioned countries, the Netherlands has just recently announced that the country will be implementing border controls from December 9, 2024. This measure will remain effective for a period of six months and is aimed at tackling irregular migration and migrant smuggling.
Source: https://schengen.news/austria-extends-internal-border-controls-with-hungary-slovenia-until-may-2025/
