Austria’s Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) has surprised with a new position in asylum policy. While Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) had sharply criticized Germany’s strategy of direct rejection of asylum seekers at the border, Stocker is now open to this approach. This has put the line of the Austrian government in doubt.
Germany’s future federal government, consisting of CDU/CSU and SPD, plans to immediately reject illegal migrants at the border. Designated Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany will expand and more strictly enforce its internal border controls.
Austria had previously been clear in its opposition to this measure. Interior Minister Karner repeatedly emphasized that Austria will not accept asylum seekers rejected by Germany. Rejections under internal border controls are not permitted under European law. Now, it seems that this stance is changing. In an interview with Bild, Chancellor Stocker expressed a positive view of the German strategy: “It is encouraging that Germany is committing to a consistent approach against illegal migration.”
Stocker’s change of heart has caused irritation in his own government. While the Chancellor is considering aligning Austria’s policy with the German strategy, Interior Minister Karner is holding to the previous line. In government circles, there are already talks of an internal power struggle.
Vienna has previously reacted with strong disapproval to such plans from Germany, particularly Interior Minister Karner. The ÖVP politician stated in a previous year’s interview with Kronen: “There is no room for maneuver! This is a matter of established law. Rejections under internal border controls are not permitted under EU law.”
If Austria were to follow the German example, it could have far-reaching consequences for European migration policy. Countries like Slovenia and Italy are already under pressure to toughen up their border controls. In Rome, there is a fear of a buildup of migrants, should Germany, together with Austria, implement harsher measures.
While Austria had previously insisted on a European solution, it now seems that national individual measures are gaining the upper hand. If this development continues, it could significantly influence the future of the Schengen area. Stocker’s surprising approach to the German migration policy marks a potential turning point in Austria’s asylum policy. While Interior Minister Karner remains at a distance, the political realities of Austria may force an adaptation of its strategy.