Border controls to Austria: ineffective and without asylum applications!

Border controls to Austria: ineffective and without asylum applications!

Österreich - This day Germany introduced tightened border controls on the border with Austria. This measure, launched by the new Federal Government under Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, should counteract a supposedly increased number of migrants. According to the Austrian Ministry of the Interior, however, the situation on the border is still relaxed. So far, no significant changes in border traffic have been found, and the German control measures did not lead to climbs on asylum applications in Austria or takeover.

The initiatives of Dobrindt reflect a versatile course in German migration policy. The interior minister calls for a more consistent procedure at the limits, including planned deportations to Syria and Afghanistan. Within the first two days after the introduction of the controls, 19 asylum seekers were rejected at the German borders. This step is taken differently in the political landscape: Austrian Minister of Economics Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer welcomed the change of course, while European law expert Walter Obwexer points out possible legal problems. He sees the arrangement of Dobrindt as a possible "asylum stop".

contradictory approaches in German migration policy

Friedrich Merz, the chairman of the Union, had promised an asylum transducer in the election campaign and a “factual ban on entry”, although the fundamental right to asylum in the coalition agreement with the SPD remains untouched. Union and SPD have agreed on rejections in asylum cases, but only in coordination with European neighbors. This is complicated by the critical attitude of countries such as Poland and Austria, which are skeptical about such measures and question their feasibility.

According to the new regulations, the border controls up to the EU asylum reform, probably by 2026, should be extended. In addition, the list of safe third countries is expanded to include countries such as Algeria, Tunisia, India and Morocco. As a result, voluntary recording programs for refugees from Afghanistan are deleted, and overall returns are to be increased, especially for criminals.

EU-wide standards and challenges

In order to strengthen asylum decisions, the EU Parliament approved a new border process for asylum decisions at the EU external borders in April 2024. This procedure is intended to serve the quick assessment of asylum applications and includes strict guidelines as to whether an application is considered unfounded or inadmissible. One central goal is to complete the processing of such applications within twelve weeks so that rejected applicants can be returned quickly.

However, there are also concerns about the conditions under which asylum seekers are treated during this procedure. There are demands for adequate recording conditions for families with children and free legal advice for applicants. These measures are considered essential so that the fundamental rights of the asylum seekers are not violated.

For further information, please visit:
Kosmo , Süddeutsche , European Parliament .