Illegal Migration: Austria Extends Border Controls with Hungary and Slovenia

This is a "necessary measure to deter the smuggler mafia," according to the Ministry of the Interior. "The goal is clear: to push illegal migration towards zero," quoted ÖVP Interior Minister Gerhard Karner. "Border and near-border controls" are an important factor in this. There is already a massive decline in apprehensions.

Border controls to Hungary and Slovenia will be extended

The controls at these borders have been in place since autumn 2015. "At the Austrian-Hungarian border and the Austrian-Slovenian border, Austrian border police are supported by soldiers of the Austrian Armed Forces in assistance deployment," the statement said. Border controls have been conducted at the crossings to the Czech Republic and Slovakia since autumn 2023.

Austria also implemented measures along the international smuggling routes in the Western Balkans and in neighboring countries, emphasized the Ministry of the Interior: "Austrian police officers are currently deployed in Serbia and Hungary. Around 40 Austrian police officers are combating cross-border crime on Hungarian territory as part of Operation Fox."

"Drastic decline in apprehensions since autumn 2023"

Apprehensions in Burgenland have drastically declined since autumn 2023. The BMI cited the following reason: "The smuggler mafia avoids Austria due to the numerous measures taken." It therefore drew the following conclusion: "In calendar week 41/2022, 3,600 people were apprehended in Burgenland, while in calendar week 17/2025, it was only 19 people." The situation at the Austrian-Slovenian border, in turn, shows: "Illegal migration is approaching zero."

ÖVP Minister Karner added: "Austria has been relying on extensive and intensive measures to protect its borders for years. I therefore welcome Germany's decision to now also conduct increased controls at its borders. It is of crucial importance that Austria and Germany work together in the fight against the smuggler mafia and take joint measures for robust protection of the EU's external borders."

Border controls in the Schengen area

According to the BMI, ten EU/Schengen countries are currently conducting internal border controls: Bulgaria, Germany, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Sweden, and Slovenia.

(APA/Red)

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