The Austrian government has extended temporary border controls with Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia for an additional six months. Officials stated that the primary motivation for maintaining these measures is the ongoing effort to combat illegal migration and human trafficking.
Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner affirmed that the border checks remain necessary. To mitigate the impact on daily commuters and regular cross-border travelers, authorities are conducting some inspections in areas near the borders rather than directly at the crossing points. The government stated that this approach is intended to increase the flexibility and efficiency of the controls while minimizing disruptions.
While Schengen Area regulations generally prohibit routine checks at internal borders, member states are permitted to temporarily reintroduce them in response to security threats or other exceptional circumstances. Travelers moving between these countries, particularly those crossing from Hungary into Austria, are advised to account for potential delays during busy periods.
Article source: www.azernews.az | Image credit: www.azernews.az