Vienna watchful over emergence of eastern Balkans refugee route

Austria's government met with scepticism in March 2016 the agreement between the European Union and Turkey on refugees and its implications. The closure of the route in Western Balkans also raised concerns that asylum seekers and economic migrants could be on the lookout for other routes that could be used to enter the European Union.

The European Commission said on the 11 April 2016 that it was 'very concerned' that Austria might be preparing to reintroduce controls on its border with Italy amid fears of a new migrant influx. News sources reported that Austria was planning to construct an anti-migrant barrier across the Brenner pass at the Italian border.

Austrian Defence Minister Hans Peter Doskozil said on the 13 April 2016 that Austria would close the Brenner pass, one of the main links across the Alps, unless Italy stopped the flow of refugees to its northern neighbour.

• Primary Source

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ESO: Background information: Closure of Balkan route divides Europe http://www.europeansources.info/record/closure-of-balkan-route-divides-europe/

The Local.at, 22.03.16: Austria consider fences at border with Hungary http://www.thelocal.at/20160322/austria-consider-fences-at-border-with-hungary

The Local.at, 20.03.16: Thousands protest against refugee policies in Vienna http://www.thelocal.at/20160320/thousands-protest-against-refugee-policies-in-vienna

EurActiv, 21.03.16: Austria urges EU to send soldiers to Greece to police border http://www.euractiv.com/section/justice-home-affairs/news/austria-urges-eu-to-send-soldiers-to-greece-to-police-border/

EurActiv, 31.03.16: Austria moves to block asylum seekers with tough new rules http://www.euractiv.com/section/justice-home-affairs/news/austria-moves-to-block-asylum-seekers-with-tough-new-rules/

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EurActiv, 12.04.16: Austria plans border controls at Brenner pass, Commission concerned http://www.euractiv.com/section/justice-home-affairs/news/austria-plans-border-controls-at-brenner-pass-commission-concerned/

Euro|Topics: Debates, April 2016: Will the spirit of Europe die at the Brenner Pass? / Vienna's closed border policy under attack http://www.eurotopics.net/en/157281/vienna-s-closed-border-policy-under-attack

ESO: Background information: European Council, Brussels, 17 - 18 March 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/european-council-brussels-17-18-march-2016/

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The Local.at, 12.04.16: EU fears Austria may add more border controls http://www.thelocal.at/20160412/eu-fears-austria-may-introduce-more-border-controls

ESO: Background information: Austrian presidential election, 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/austrian-presidential-election-2016/

The Local.at, 14.04.16: Plans underway for second refugee protest http://www.thelocal.at/20160414/plans-underway-for-second-brenner-protest

The Local.at, 14.04.16: 'Italy must stop refugee flow or we’ll shut Brenner pass' http://www.thelocal.at/20160414/italy-must-stop-refugee-flow-or-well-shut-brenner-pass-austria

EurActiv, 19.04.16: Austria’s neighbours fear more border controls http://www.euractiv.com/section/justice-home-affairs/news/austrias-neighbours-fear-more-border-controls/

The Local.it, 20.04.16: 'Border controls will stem migrant flow via Italy': Austria http://www.thelocal.it/20160420/austria-says-border-controls-needed-to-stem-migrant-flow-via-italy

EurActiv, 25.04.16: Majority of Austrians support increased border checks http://www.euractiv.com/section/regional-policy/news/majority-of-austrians-support-increased-border-checks/

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