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Austria has been tightening its border controls since 2015, with the country considering stricter border controls in 2016 to limit the influx of refugees. In 2024, several roads in Burgenland were closed to reduce traffic, causing a build-up of parked cars near the border. In 2025, Austria shut down 21 border crossings with Hungary and two with Slovakia to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Border Closure | 2016 |
| Reason for Border Closure | To limit the influx of refugees |
| Countries Affected | Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia |
| Number of Border Crossings Closed | 21 |
| Border Crossings Affected | Wallern – Kapuvár, Rajka |
| Municipality Actions | Implemented the mandatory purchase of a 160-euro sticker that allows drivers to pass |
| Lawsuit | An international law office launched a compensation lawsuit against the Schattendorf municipality |
| Border Control Status | Strengthened/Tightened |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's border controls in 2016 to limit refugee influx
Austria's response to the refugee crisis in 2016 was to strengthen its border controls. The country did not lock down its borders entirely but aimed to reduce the influx of refugees. This move was considered a potential "driver for a European solution" to the crisis by Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz. Kurz believed that if all countries began setting limits on refugees and closing their borders, it would positively impact Austria by reducing immigration numbers as refugees would no longer travel further into Europe.
The decision to tighten border controls was influenced by similar actions taken by other European countries, including Sweden, Denmark, and Germany. These countries had already reintroduced border controls, and Austria followed suit, citing the "serious threat to public order and domestic security" as a justification for doing so within the Schengen Agreement. The Austrian government's decision was part of a broader trend of countries re-establishing border controls in response to the unprecedented influx of refugees and migrants.
In 2016, Austria announced it would dispatch its military to assist police in conducting border checks, particularly at its border with Hungary. This deployment aimed to manage the thousands of migrants crossing on foot overnight, overwhelming emergency accommodation. The Austrian army's involvement highlighted the scale and urgency of the situation, as the country sought to manage the flow of refugees while navigating complex international agreements and humanitarian considerations.
The refugee crisis in Europe during this period raised concerns about the potential collapse of the Schengen Agreement, which allows for visa-free travel within the Schengen zone. European Council President Donald Tusk set a deadline for resolving the crisis, warning that failure to do so within two months could jeopardize the agreement. The EU's migration commissioner echoed these sentiments, stating that a collapse of the Schengen system would be "the beginning of the end of the European project."
While Austria's decision to strengthen border controls aimed to manage the refugee crisis, it also had economic implications. Yves Pascouau, an immigration expert, noted that internal border patrols could cause economic problems for the EU if they persisted long-term. Additionally, the reintroduction of border controls within the Schengen zone threatened the freedom of movement for employees, potentially impacting the euro's value.
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Roads closed due to increased cross-border commuters
In March 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic led to abrupt border closures and restrictions, affecting students, cross-border workers, families, and other commuters. One such example was the Austrian-Hungarian border near Nickelsdorf, Austria, where Hungarian authorities closed all borders to neighbouring countries, except for Hungarian citizens, commuters, and freight traffic.
In February 2021, Germany faced criticism from the European Union for partially closing its borders with the Czech Republic and Tyrol in Austria due to a surge in coronavirus mutations. This decision mobilized 1000 police officers to conduct strict border checks, impacting commuters and cross-border movement.
Another instance of road closures due to increased cross-border commuters occurred at the Austrian-Hungarian border between Schattendorf and Ágfalva. From March to July 2023, construction work for a pedestrian zone resulted in the closure of this border crossing, causing difficulties for Hungarian commuters who had to detour. A permit was required to pass through, and a fee of €160 was introduced, reimbursing €140 through vouchers redeemable in Schattendorf. This decision faced opposition from demonstrators and commuters, who viewed it as a violation of "the rights of EU citizens and the rules of the Schengen area."
The Polish-German border also experienced closures and restrictions due to the pandemic. In March 2020, Poland implemented mandatory 14-day quarantines for cross-border commuters, leading to long traffic jams at selected crossing points. Simplified controls and additional crossing points were introduced on March 18, but the Polish government reinstated the quarantine requirement on March 27, causing challenges for German institutions reliant on Polish workers. Protests erupted along the Polish-German and Polish-Czech borders in April 2020, demanding the removal of the quarantine mandate for cross-border commuters.
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Border closures with Slovakia and Hungary in 2023
Austria has had a history of tightening its border controls, especially in the wake of the refugee crisis in 2016. In January 2016, Austria considered stricter border controls to limit the influx of refugees. However, it is important to note that Austria did not entirely lock down its borders but rather strengthened its border controls. This was in line with the Schengen Agreement, which allows for such controls in cases of serious threats to public order and domestic security.
Fast forward to 2023, and we see a similar situation unfolding. In the fall of 2023, Austria started controlling its borders with Slovakia, with vehicles being stopped and documents checked. This was done to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, particularly in Austrian border districts. The Interior Ministry worked closely with health authorities, interest groups, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Tourism, and Regions to determine the affected crossings.
The situation escalated further in 2025, with Austria announcing the closure of two dozen border crossings with Hungary and Slovakia due to the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. This highly infectious disease, which poses no danger to humans but affects livestock, prompted Hungary and Slovakia to deploy soldiers and launch disinfection measures. To prevent the spread in Austria, the Interior Ministry decided to close two smaller crossings at the Slovakian border and 21 at the Hungarian border.
While the focus of this discussion is on 2023, it is worth noting that as early as 2024, there were reports of increased traffic and partial blockages at the Hungarian-Austrian border crossing at Sopron, impacting several roads in Burgenland. These measures were implemented to reduce traffic and protect the peace of residents in the area.
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Border controls with Hungary since 2015
Austria and Hungary share a 331-kilometre (205-mile) border with a long and tumultuous history. The two countries were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which collapsed after World War I. This led to a three-year dispute over the territory of Western Hungary, which eventually became the Austrian province of Burgenland. The border has seen strict controls during World War I, a flourishing contraband trade, and the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.
In 2008, border controls between Austria and Hungary were officially removed when both countries joined the Schengen Zone, allowing for free movement between them. However, in 2015, Austria reintroduced internal border controls with Hungary to limit the influx of refugees. This measure has been extended on and off, with Austria citing reasons such as combating human trafficking, irregular migration, and terrorism. The latest extension, announced in November 2024, will keep the border controls in place until May 2025.
The reintroduction of border controls by Austria and other countries along the refugee route through southeast Europe has been a contentious issue. While some see it as a potential "driver for a European solution" to the refugee crisis, others argue that it goes against the principles of the Schengen Agreement, which allows for the free movement of citizens between member countries.
The impact of these border controls has been significant. In 2023, Austria reported a 50% reduction in apprehensions and the arrest of around 600 people smugglers. However, the measures have also led to increased traffic and road closures at the Hungarian-Austrian border crossing in Sopron, causing inconvenience to local residents and commuters.
While the current border controls between Austria and Hungary are expected to remain in place until May 2025, the future of these measures beyond that date is uncertain. The Austrian authorities have emphasised the importance of combating human trafficking, irregular migration, and terrorism, but they will also need to consider the impact on border communities and their relations with neighbouring countries.
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Border controls and stricter refugee policies in Europe
In 2016, Austria considered implementing stricter border controls to limit the number of refugees entering the country. This decision was influenced by similar actions taken by other European countries, such as Sweden, Denmark, and Germany, who had already strengthened their border controls. The Austrian government's focus was on limiting the influx of refugees, with the belief that stricter border controls could potentially drive a European solution to the refugee crisis.
While Austria has not entirely locked down its borders, the consideration of stricter border controls reflects a shift in Europe's approach to migration and asylum. This shift is evident in the EU's new Pact on Migration and Asylum, which includes components such as secure external borders, fast and efficient procedures, and an effective system of solidarity and responsibility. The pact aims to address the challenges posed by irregular migration and enhance border security while also providing clear asylum rules and guaranteeing people's rights.
However, the road to a unified European response has been challenging. Between 2015 and the pact's breakthrough in 2024, national governments implemented ad hoc measures, restricted access to asylum systems, and negotiated deals with non-EU states to limit migration. This incohesion created divisions within and between member states, impeding progress on effective EU-wide responses. Additionally, the rise of far-right movements and xenophobic rhetoric has influenced public debates, pushing mainstream parties toward more restrictive migration policies.
The impact of these stricter border controls and refugee policies is felt by those seeking refuge. Countries like Serbia, Macedonia, Croatia, Hungary, and Bulgaria have been criticized for the mistreatment of migrants and refugees, with reports of violence, intimidation, and denial of access to asylum procedures. This has resulted in a climate of fear and mistrust, driving people to rely on smugglers and unsafe routes to continue their journeys. The militarization of European borders, with aggressive controls, fences, and patrols, further exacerbates the challenges and risks faced by those seeking refuge.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2016, Austria was considering stricter border controls to limit the number of refugees entering the country. However, it is unclear whether Austria implemented these stricter border controls.
In 2024, several roads in Burgenland, Austria, were closed to reduce traffic and protect the peace of residents. This resulted in a build-up of parked cars near the border, with some opting to walk or cycle to work.
In 2025, Austria shut down at least 21 Hungarian-Austrian border crossings and two Slovakian-Austrian border crossings to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.
