At the request of the Institute for Transnational and Euregional cross-border cooperation and Mobility of Maastricht University (ITEM), CESCI, together with the Transfrontier Euro-Institut Network (TEIN), is preparing a comprehensive impact analysis of the changes in border control practices in the Austrian-Hungarian border region. The research focuses on the social and economic impacts of the introduction of the new Schengen Borders Code and the reintroduction of border controls. The research pays particular attention to the areas of cross-border mobility, employment, education, public transport and tourism, analysing trends over the past two decades. The research aims to formulate data-based recommendations for decision-makers in border regions in order to preserve free movement and strengthen the integration of border regions.

The study will involve interviews with local actors – including cross-border employees, businesses and public administration professionals. Crewkraft, a recruitment agency that has long been involved in the placement of Hungarian workers in Austria, shared valuable experiences on the practical effects of border regimes. For example, the company’s director, Sándor Keresztes, pointed out that not only physical border controls but also a number of other factors influence cross-border movements, such as migration narratives conveyed in the media or regulations introduced during the Covid period, during which the willingness to travel abroad decreased noticeably, especially in the case of working with family. Keresztes also suggested technology-based solutions for smoother border crossings – for example, a camera system or a pre-registration option for passenger and vehicle data.

The results of the research are expected to provide important guidance for decisions affecting the everyday lives of people living in border regions. We will report in detail on the progress and conclusions of the analysis on the CESCI website later.