The new Iron Curtain: Huge outrage at the Hungarian–Austrian border
Tensions have been escalating at the Hungarian–Austrian border between Ágfalva and Schattendorf for over a year now. Various issues have arisen during this time, causing hardships for commuters. Now, a new problem looms on the horizon.
The stem of the problem
We have previously reported HERE that the Hungarian–Austrian border between Ágfalva and Schattendorf (Somfalva) in northern Burgenland had been closed for months due to unfinished construction, posing a challenge for Hungarian commuters. The Mayor of Schattendorf promised to allow “neighbourhood traffic” with a toll.
However, residents of Ágfalva were facing difficulties obtaining permission to cross, despite their willingness to pay. Concrete posts were installed and specific criteria have been implemented to restrict vehicular access, potentially indicating a desire to keep Hungarian commuters away rather than ensuring traffic safety as previously claimed.
Here you can watch a video of the situation:
Growing tension
As Világgazdaság writes, there was even a protest at the infamous Hungarian–Austrian border. from July a one-off fee of EUR 160 (HUF 62,700) must be paid by those wishing to cross the border between Schattendorf (Somfalva) and Ágfalva. This one-sided decision was made by the Austrian municipal authorities.
It is quite surprising that EUR 140 (HUF 54,900) of the compulsory fee can be later redeemed in Austrian shops. Despite that, it caused outrage among commuters.
A new problem at the Hungarian–Austrian border
If that wasn’t enough, a new issue has arisen, further complicating the lives of commuters. Telex reports that the crossing post system is currently out of order. This compels everyone to take an alternative route, including those who have successfully purchased the pass.
The posts have been cordoned off, thus only cyclists and pedestrians can cross. The Mayor of Schattendorf (Somfalva) informed the Austrian press that there had been instances of criminal mischief.. According to him, someone had drilled into the asphalt and damaged the line.
Past vandalism
Last year, shortly after its inauguration, the post system, known as the “new Iron Curtain”, came under attack. The card reader was knocked down, resulting in the closure of the Hungarian–Austrian border crossing for weeks.
The Austrian municipality is now considering installing video cameras at the border to safeguard the system. However, it remains uncertain whether this project will receive authorisation. In addition, the post system is also a subject of ongoing legal action. A law firm filed a lawsuit claiming that it violated the EU law regarding border crossing.
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