The conflict over the border crossing between Schattendorf and Ágfalva is not subsiding. Demonstrators protested while the mayors presented their plans.Continue reading
The situation at the border crossing between Rajka and Deutsch Jahrndorf (Németjárfalu) has been resolved, but work still needs to be done at the other two border crossings closed by the Austrian side, the Hungarian Foreign Minister said in Vienna on Friday.
After talks with Austrian Minister for European and Constitutional Affairs Karoline Edtstadler, Péter Szijjártó said a dual approach should be taken at the borders:
The border must be made impassable for those who want to cross it illegally and unjustifiably. At the same time, it must be possible to cross the border quickly and unhindered at as many points as possible for those who want to cross in a fair and orderly manner, such as commuters,
he emphasized.
The politician pointed out that, in comparison, it was disappointing that the Austrian side had restricted traffic at three border crossings.
He informed that it was agreed that all residents of Győr-Moson-Sopron County can cross the border between Rajka and Deutsch Jahrndorf, largely solving the problem.
However, there is still a problem with the border crossing between Ágfalva and Schattendorf (Somfalva), where the mayor of the Austrian municipality arbitrarily turned the road into a pedestrian zone, as well as with the Fertőrákos – St. Margarethen (Szentmargitbánya) crossing, which the Austrian side also closed and considerably restricted traffic,
Péter Szijjártó emphasized.
As Hungary Today reported, the border crossing between Schattendorf and Ágfalva can be used only with a permit since 3 July. The permit, which is valid for two years, costs 160 euros. About 140 euros of this will be reimbursed in the form of vouchers that can be redeemed in Schattendorf.
The Austrian side imposed a ban on entry at the Fertőrákos – St. Margarethen border crossing on 28 February. The ban applies to passenger cars and motorcycles, as far as transit traffic is concerned. Excluded from the ban are people coming from or going to the neighboring municipalities of St. Margarethen, Rust (Ruszt), Mörbisch (Fertőmeggyes), Oggau (Oka), Oslip (Oszlop) and Schützen am Gebirge (Sérc). So, for example, if one wants to drive from Eisenstadt (Kismarton) to Sopron (Ödenburg), one can no longer drive through St. Margarethen.
Péter Szijjártó described as particularly problematic the fact that the latter border crossing was established with EU funds specifically as an alternative to the Sopron crossing. The closure of this border crossing would not only make everyday life more difficult, but would also entail the obligation to repay the funds used.
I have therefore asked the Austrian Minister for the EU and Constitution, who also administers the European funds, to ensure that the Province of Burgenland or the local administration does not take any measures that are contrary to the common European agreements,
said the Foreign Minister.
He added that he had been promised that a proposal to avoid disadvantages for the Hungarian population regarding the situation at the Fertőrákos – St. Margarethen border crossing would be presented soon.
“I think it is clear that we are not only right, but also the European rules prescribe that these border crossings must be opened,” the Minister stressed.
Via Ungarn Heute, Featured image: Ungarn Heute
