Fight against people smugglers:

Border controls with the Czech Republic to be extended

According to Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP), border controls with the Czech Republic will be extended until mid-April. "Border controls are one of numerous measures to combat the international smuggling mafia," said Karner.

In view of the international security situation, border controls are also necessary to take decisive action against extremists," said Karner on Friday evening. The new extension will take place from midnight and will initially last until April 16.

Three further controls currently in place
Austria is also currently carrying out border controls with Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia.

At the other borders (Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein), intensive checks are being carried out near the border. Eleven of the 27 Schengen member states currently carry out internal border controls. In addition to Austria, these are France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Poland.