After Burgenland Governor Hans Peter Doskozil (SPÖ) criticized on Wednesday that Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) had allegedly not pushed hard enough for efficient controls at the EU’s external borders, the Interior Ministry took the word. A spokesman for Karner made it clear that “these effective border controls and processing centers – for example in Bulgaria – were needed.
Doskozil pointed out on Wednesday that the police and military are currently checking the Schengen borders and that there is still a “record number” of arrests of refugees in this country. Karner should therefore have demanded effective border controls in Bulgaria and processing centers: “That would have been the right demand,” Doskozi insisted, referring to Austria’s veto against the extension of Schengen to Bulgaria and Romania.
The Interior Ministry said Karner had alerted colleagues to the deteriorating migration situation since the beginning of the year and called for better protection of the external borders. “On his initiative, the Extraordinary Council on November 25 did not focus on the Mediterranean route, but on the Balkan routes.”
Five-point plan to contain the flow of refugees
“In addition, the Minister of the Interior has presented a five-point plan, part of which has also found its way into an action plan of the European Commission for the Balkans,” emphasizes his spokesperson. This plan includes effective border controls and financing of construction measures at the external border by the European Commission, a pilot project for processing centers at the external border and a “refoulement directive” analogous to the Deportation Directive, which does not require individual assessment.
In addition, Karner proposes asylum procedures in safe third countries and easier withdrawal of the protection status of criminals. Karner informed Doskozil of these points in a letter on Thursday.
Karner proposals partially accepted by the EU
The European Commission has included a number of points in its action plan to curb migration on the Western Balkan route. The Brussels proposal foresees stricter border controls and the deployment of the EU Frontex force, as well as EU support for the return of rejected asylum seekers. However, this does not include the rejection directive and asylum procedures in safe third countries required by Austria.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
