Austria extends border checks with Czechia and other neighbours

Austria has extended border checks with Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia for another six months. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said on Tuesday that the measures are still needed to fight illegal migration and people smuggling.

Austria says the checks should have only a minimal impact on people who regularly cross the border for work. The country has also moved some checks further into border areas rather than keeping them directly at the border.

Austria introduced the checks with Czechia in October 2023. It says the current system has made border controls more flexible and effective.