Austrian gov't to implement tougher stance on refugee influx: media

Following recent comments from numerous Austrian political leaders that a tougher stance will be taken to reduce refugee and asylum seeker numbers a first plan for this is poised to be unveiled, the Krone newspaper reported Thursday.

It stated that from Friday the government is to be part of a three-country effort, in conjunction with Germany and Slovenia, in taking a more hard-line approach to the crisis, beginning on Friday.

The report also quoted Minister of the Interior Johanna Mikl-Leitner as confirming the plan, acknowledging that discussions have been underway with leaders of the two neighboring countries, with preliminary agreement reached between all three countries on bringing to an end the more welcoming approach to asylum seekers that has existed until now and instead in favor of stronger border controls.

As part of this border police from all three countries will be conducting much more strict inspections and controls at the Slovenian-Croatian border.

From Friday Austria is also to begin its so-called "border management" program, involving a newly-constructed fence on the border with Slovenia as well as increased patrols and inspections.

Additionally greater involvement from the army is also planned, particularly on the southern border including patrols of the full limits of the fence constructed by the border town of Spielfeld.

It is not yet clear how many soldiers will be involved, though in a recent interview Chancellor Werner Faymann stated that soon Austria will be "much more active at its borders," indicating a larger-scale approach is possible if not likely. Endit