Romania, Austria Boost EU Maritime Border Security Cooperation

Romanian Interior Minister Cătălin Predoiu and his Austrian counterpart Gerhard Karner met in Constanța to address the security of the EU's maritime border. The meeting, held on May 26, 2026, focused on integrated exercises organized by Romania's Interior Ministry and its partners to combat illegal migration and bolster external EU border security.

Both ministers emphasized the success of cooperation with countries like Austria, Bulgaria, and Hungary, which they claim has significantly reduced illegal migration by over 80% in recent years. The Romanian Interior Ministry also highlighted approximately 2,800 "Blitz" operations conducted between 2025 and 2026 to prevent and combat illegal migration and cross-border crime.

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The visit of the Austrian delegation takes place in the context of an integrated exercise organized by the MAI structures, together with institutional partners, with attributions in combating illegal migration and consolidating the security of the European Union's external borders.

The visit occurred against the backdrop of past tensions between Romania and Austria regarding Romania's Schengen Area accession. Vienna's previous opposition to Romania's entry had created friction at the European level, making this joint declaration on border security a notable development in their bilateral relationship.

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cooperation with states such as Austria, Bulgaria and Hungary has contributed to the significant reduction of illegal migration at the EU's external borders, by over 80%.