Austria Ends Internal Border Controls With Slovakia

According to the Ministry of Interior of Austria, since yesterday, February 6, the authorities will only be carrying out the so-called ‘mobile border controls’, replacing the previous controls, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.

“From February 6, 2023, the static border controls at the border crossings between Austria and Slovakia will be replaced by border area controls. These are carried out by mobile teams in coordination with the Slovakian authorities,” the statement of the Ministry reads.

The Ministry explains that the authorities decided to drop internal border controls in place with Slovakia after taking into account the current situation as well as the decision of the Czech Republic to no longer apply such measures.

At the same time, it has been stressed that the authorities will use drones and other equipment to continue monitoring every movement at the border and prevent people smuggling activities.

Commenting on the decision as well as on the situation, the Austrian Minister of Interior, Gerhard Karner, stressed that the fight against people smuggling activities remains the focus and said that the authorities are ready to take necessary measures if any new development takes place.

“The fight against the smuggling mafia and their despicable business is still the focus of our measures. With mobile teams operating in the area near the border, the development of the situation can be closely monitored and, if necessary, a quick reaction can be taken,” the statement of Minister Karner reads.

Data show that since the introduction of internal border controls, a total of 24 people smugglers have been arrested as part of the border checks with Slovakia. Further details on the situation at the border with Slovakia now that the internal border controls have been lifted are expected to be revealed soon.

Similar to Austria, the Czech Republic has also already ended the internal border controls with Slovakia. After keeping border controls in place for more than four months in a bid to prevent illegal migrants from using Czechia as a transit country, the Czech Republic authorities decided to apply such measures no longer.

Announcing the decision, the Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic said that the number of illegal migrants has significantly dropped in the last weeks.