Controls on the Austrian-Czech and Austrian-Slovak borders were due to expire yesterday, but the Austrian government has decided to extend them until 15 October this year. The reasons cited by Austria for this decision include illegal migration, migrant smuggling, organised crime, strain on the asylum reception system, and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Germany has also announced an extension of border measures. Controls on borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland were set to expire on 16 June but will now be extended until 15 December this year. The German government explains the decision similarly to Austria, citing illegal migration, smuggling of migrants, strain on the asylum reception system, and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Italy, in preparation for the upcoming G7 summit in Brindisi from 13 to 15 June, is introducing controls on all internal borders—land, sea, and air. These measures will be in force from 5 to 18 June. The Italian government attributes this decision to the risk of terrorist activity and potential disruptions to public order and security. Additionally, Italy has decided to extend border controls with Slovenia for six months, lasting until 18 December this year.
Slovenia will extend border controls with Hungary and Croatia for another six months, from 22 June to 21 December this year. The Slovenian government cites risks related to the global security situation, including increased instability in the Middle East, Russian aggression against Ukraine, organised crime, the general threat of terrorism, the EURO 2024 championships, and the Olympic Games as reasons for this extension.