Government extends controls at Czech-Slovak border for another 15 days

The government has agreed to extend controls at the border with Slovakia for another 15 days, meaning the checks will now last until November 12. Transport Minister Martin Kupka said before the government meeting to discuss the issue that the number of incoming refugees could increase again if Czechia waived the controls.

Border controls were first introduced at the end of September due to an increasing number of migrants using Czechia as a transit stop on the so-called "Balkan route", on their way to western European countries, mainly Germany. The controls were originally supposed to last until October 8, but were later extended to October 28. After this most recent extension, the government would only be able to approve another two-week extension one more time, as any extension beyond November 28 would require the approval of the European Commission.