Vienna: Austria has announced a three-month extension of border control measures with Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia as part of its ongoing efforts to protect its borders. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated that the extension, which will take effect on Monday, was necessary due to the continued need for additional measures to safeguard Austria's border regions.

According to Emirates News Agency, the European Commission formally issued opinions advising Austria and eight other Schengen countries to begin phasing out long-standing internal border controls. The Commission recommended replacing these checks with regional police cooperation and alternative security measures to restore full free movement within the bloc. Minister Karner emphasized that the European Asylum Pact requires the expansion and strengthening of external border protection, highlighting the importance of the extended measures.