Bavarian border checks against the law
The use of Bavarian state police at the border with Austria is against the law, a legal assessment has found. Bavaria reintroduced controls by state police in July.
Austria
EU leaders debate cooperation with North Africa on managing migration
EU leaders met this week to work out long-standing divisions over migration and suggested enhanced cooperation with North African countries. Differences remained on sharing the distribution of migrants.
Humanitarian visas across Europe?
A committee of the European Parliament has proposed to issue humanitarian visas across the bloc. Would this help reduce illegal migration?
No EU accord at Salzburg, Rome against reinforcing Frontex
At the informal EU summit held in Salzburg on Friday, the 27 member states were unable to reach an agreement on immigration, and seem farther away than ever from an accord.
Austrian chancellor Kurz calls for boosted Frontex in Italy
Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz highlighted the need for reforms to EU border agency Frontex and its anti-human trafficking military mission in the Mediterranean, Operation Sophia. The leaders emphasised the necessity of a European solution to migratory flows.
Germany's Angela Merkel backs Austria on stronger EU borders
The German chancellor and her Austrian counterpart, Sebastian Kurz, have agreed to stem migrant arrivals to the EU. European leaders are under pressure after the main route across the Mediterranean shifted.
Austria, Italy propose processing refugees on ships
Italy and Austria have put forth a plan to process refugees on ships, with Austria's interior minister saying asylum-seekers would be "well looked after." Both governments support curbing immigration in their countries.
UN to send 'team to Italy and Austria over racism, violence'
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has said that the United Nations will send teams to Italy and Austria to monitor an increase in reported cases of violence and racism against migrants.
Audio-report: Austria changes tack on integration
Austria has allowed young refugees to take on apprenticeships while waiting for their asylum applications to be processed since 2012. However, the new right-wing government says this is to end. At the same time there'll be cuts to other migrant integration initiatives — such as language courses.
Austria to ban asylum-seekers from taking up apprenticeships
Austria is set to bar asylum-seekers from taking up vacant training spaces while their claims are still being assessed. It marks the latest in a spate of restrictions placed on migrants by the right-wing government.
Homosexual Afghan not 'gay enough' for asylum in Austria
A migration official said the introverted nature of the 18-year-old refugee was at odds with homosexuals "being rather social." The young man feared for his safety in Afghanistan, where homosexuality is illegal.
Viennese piano initiative raises money for refugee student musicians
In various German-speaking cities in Europe, a piano is being set up for days at a time, allowing amateur musicians to show off their musical abilities. The initiative collects money for refugees to study music in Vienna.