Austria Extends Schengen Border Checks With Hungary and Slovenia Until Late 2025
Austria Extends Border Controls With Hungary and Slovenia for Six More Months
The Austrian government has announced an extension of internal border controls with Hungary and Slovenia for another six months, continuing a policy that has been in place since autumn 2015.
According to Austria’s Interior Minister, Gerhard Karner, the primary objective of the extension is to combat irregular migration and disrupt human trafficking networks. Karner emphasized that Austria remains committed to achieving “zero illegal migration”, a goal the government considers critical for national and regional security.
Measures Targeting Irregular Migration and Smuggling
Austrian authorities clarified that the border controls are being enforced through a combination of stationary checks at official border crossings and mobile patrol units operating in border regions. This flexible approach, they say, allows for effective disruption of human trafficking and smuggling activities.
Broader Schengen Context: Multiple EU Countries Maintaining Border Checks
Austria is not alone in maintaining internal Schengen border controls. Several other EU/Schengen states currently enforce similar measures, including:
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Denmark
- The Netherlands
- Sweden
- Norway
- Slovenia
- Bulgaria
Each country cites varying security, migration, and trafficking-related reasons for maintaining or reintroducing internal controls, despite Schengen's foundational principle of border-free movement.
Austria Supports Germany’s Stricter Border Policy
Austria has welcomed Germany’s recent decision to tighten its border controls, particularly those introduced on May 6, 2025. Under the new German rules, authorities may turn away migrants at the border as part of a broader crackdown on irregular migration while upholding EU legal commitments.
Interior Minister Karner stated that cooperation between Austria and Germany is essential in combating cross-border smuggling operations. He reiterated that both countries share a common objective: disrupting trafficking networks and safeguarding their borders.
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