Topic: Brenner Pass

Austria is constructing a fence at the Brenner Pass border with Italy to block migrant flows as the "Balkan route" through Serbia and Macedonia closes. German and Austrian officials expressed concern that up to one million people waiting in Libya may attempt to enter Northern Europe through Italy. The move signals a shift toward stricter border controls within the Schengen Area.

The Austrian parliament passed legislation allowing for a state of emergency to clamp down on asylum claims, potentially leading to a fence at the Brenner Pass border with Italy. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi criticized the move as being against European logic and trade interests.