The Schengen Area is widely regarded as one of the most important achievements of European integration. However, the free movement zone has faced numerous challenges in terms of managing migrant flows and ensuring security. Over time, some states have partially or completely reinstated internal border controls. Recently, through the linked reference to the various procedures envisaged, some States have been able to reiterate the restoration of internal borders for an extended period of time, circumventing the time limits set by the Schengen Code. Clearly, the Austrian case is significant. The Austrian affair must be interpreted as a sign of a period of tension that necessitates special attention from European institutions and, naturally, the community of states.
