Austria's announcement that troop patrols on its border with Italy could be stepped up prompts Rome to summon its neighbouring country's ambassador.
ADVERTISEMENTIn a day of tensions within the EU, Italy has summoned Austria’s ambassador. It comes as Vienna announced it was ready to deploy troops on their shared border to stop a potential influx of migrants. 750 soldiers are on standby, Austria’s Defence Minister Hans Peter Doskozil says, and four armoured personnel carriers have been sent to the Brenner Pass in the mountainous Tyrol region.
Other countries have threatened to shut their ports, including Italy. Rome says it may even impound aid agencies’ rescue ships as it warns the current number of migrants arriving on its shores is untenable. Tens of thousands have entered the country this year alone. Most sailed in across the Mediterranean on overcrowded boats.