Austria says it plans to build a 3.7 kilometre fence along its border with Slovenia. It is the first time a barrier will have been erected between
ADVERTISEMENTAustria says it plans to build a 3.7 kilometre fence along its border with Slovenia.
It is the first time a barrier will have been erected between two members of the EU’s passport-free Schengen Zone.
Another day, another fence. Now Austria is building one. So much for the Schengen pact https://t.co/PHxKEixA8D
GlobalPost</a></p>— Alex Leff (alexleff) November 13, 2015
Austria plans to build border fence with Slovenia to control migrant flow https://t.co/jlAnKpqtzrpic.twitter.com/fw3xTFrUaL
— The WorldPost (@TheWorldPost) November 13, 2015
Officials say the barrier is legal, as it is only temporary and aimed at channeling the flow of migrants.
Another day, another fence. Now Austria is building one. So much for the Schengen pact https://t.co/PHxKEixA8D
GlobalPost</a></p>— Alex Leff (alexleff) November 13, 2015
Regierungs-Geheimplan: Mikl-Leitner soll mit Flüchtlingen nach Deutschland geschickt werden https://t.co/DVQFZEAF7ypic.twitter.com/eEVUAJc3Di
— Die Tagespresse (@DieTagespresse) November 3, 2015
Announcing the measures for the Spielfeld crossing in conjunction with Slovenia, Austrian Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner said a 25 kilometre stretch of fence could be up within 48 hours, if necessary.
Hungary
Austria’s decision is the latest in a series of tough measures by member states which critics say contradict the EU principle of free movement of people.
#Hungary ready to build #fence on #Romania's border says cabinet chief Janos #Lázár
https://t.co/zjvI5p5VWr— Robin Marshall (@dacomms) November 13, 2015
The chief of staff of the Hungarian Prime Minister’s office, Janos Lazar, told reporters a fence can be set-up on the border with Romania in a short period of time. “We will only do it in the worst-case scenario and not because we want to, but because we have to to defend our country,” he said.
What is Brussels doing?
The European Commission has formally authorised the temporary re-imposition of border controls in Germany and Sweden.
Schengen system of open borders is under strain as EU members reintroduce controls at their frontiers. https://t.co/wrPjwyu2zW
— Brian C (@FoxUniChaKilo) November 13, 2015
Germany re-established border checks on September the 13th and has since extended them for six months.
Sweden re-instigated border checks to check the flow of migrants coming through Denmark.
The EU decision is similar to others granted to Austria, Hungary and Slovenia when they brought in temporary controls in recent weeks.
Sweden shuts. Schengen closes. The EU project falls apart https://t.co/aGFkcC36kV
— Douglas Carswell MP (@DouglasCarswell) November 13, 2015
EU leaders agree to hold summit with Turkey, France's Hollande says, AFP reporting from Malta
— Danny Kemp (@dannyctkemp) November 12, 2015
EU leaders held an extraordinary summit in Malta on Thursday to discuss the refugee crisis and stronger coordination with Turkey, the main transit country for people heading to Europe.
Turkey, with a key strategic position, is also to be invited to a Brussels summit to enlist its help.
UK pledges €400m as contribution to €3bn Turkey refugee fund https://t.co/maOrFIAk2W
— Hugo Dixon (@Hugodixon) November 13, 2015
The UK, meanwhile, has committed nearly 400 million euros towards a planned EU fund designed to help Turkey accommodate the two-million plus refugees sheltering on its territory.