Published: 2023-07-16
Protests have erupted at the Schattendorf-Ágfalva border crossing between Hungary and Austria over a new EUR 160 fee that will be required for entry into Austria.
The border crossing fee
Starting in July, individuals wishing to enter Austria from Hungary at the Schattendorf-Ágfalva border crossing will be required to pay a fee of EUR 160. The fee will be valid for two years and a majority of the amount can be used as vouchers in local shops. However, Hungarian protesters believe the fee is unfair. According to the mayor of Schattendorf, the decision to implement the fee is justified due to the high number of accidents caused by Hungarian commuters, causing inconvenience for Austrians.
Frustration and uncertainty
Local residents are expressing frustration over the fee and its implications. Some question whether paying the fee guarantees relief from the issues caused by commuters, while others question the purpose and necessity of such a fee. Additionally, not everyone who pays the fee is granted a permit to enter Austria, as the approval process is handled by Austrian authorities.
The proposed solution
The mayor of Ágfalva suggests that building more roads in areas where there is a need may be a possible solution to alleviate the traffic congestion and accidents caused by Hungarian commuters. This potential solution has been voiced by the local population.
Conclusion
The introduction of a EUR 160 border crossing fee at the Schattendorf-Ágfalva border crossing in Austria has sparked protests and controversy. While the fee is meant to address issues caused by Hungarian commuters, there is frustration and uncertainty surrounding its effectiveness and fairness. The proposed solution of building more roads in areas with high traffic may offer an alternative approach to addressing this issue.
Questions & Answers
What is the fee for crossing the border from Budapest to Austria? From July, a fee of EUR 160 will be charged for those wishing to enter Austria at the Schattendorf-Ágfalva border crossing.
How long is the fee valid for? The fee will be valid for two years.
Can the fee be used as vouchers in local shops? Yes, most of the EUR 140 can be used as vouchers in local shops.
Why do Hungarian protesters consider the fee unfair? Hungarian protesters consider the fee unfair because they believe it is unnecessary and imposes a financial burden on them.
Why did the Austrian mayor justify the decision to charge a fee? The Austrian mayor justified the decision by stating that Hungarian commuters were causing a lot of accidents, which was troublesome for Austrians.
Are all individuals who pay the fee granted a permit to enter Austria? No, according to pénzcentrum.hu, not everyone who pays the fee is granted a permit. The approval is handled by the Austrian authorities.
What is the solution proposed by the mayor of Ágfalva? The mayor of Ágfalva suggested that building more roads in areas with high traffic could be a solution to ease congestion and reduce accidents.
