Austrian Youth More Positive on Migration Than Older Generations, Survey Finds

Younger Austrians express a markedly more favorable attitude toward migration compared to their older counterparts, according to a recent survey. This generational divide in perspective comes even as asylum applications have seen a decrease.

The survey reveals a prevailing sense of pessimism regarding the current refugee situation. Only a third of respondents believe the situation is manageable, highlighting widespread concern. This sentiment is especially strong among supporters of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), who exhibit a particularly negative outlook.

Official statistics from the Interior Ministry suggest a continuing downward trend in asylum applications. Projections indicate this decline may persist through 2026. As of May, Austria had received 4,168 asylum applications, a significant drop from nearly 16,000 in the previous year. This figure is substantially lower than the record high of over 112,000 applications in 2022, a year marked by a large influx of refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The image shows the Nickelsdorf border crossing, a key entry point during that period.