Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker called for a sweeping reform of EU asylum rules as his People’s Party (ÖVP) grapples with surging influence from the Freedom Party (FPÖ), which topped the 2024 parliamentary elections, according to Politico.
In an interview with the Financial Times published on 25 May 2025, Stocker argued existing laws “no longer correspond” to their original purpose, aligning with a bloc of EU states seeking stricter migration controls.
Stocker’s push comes amid mounting pressure to address migration—a core FPÖ rallying point. Despite previously labelling FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl a “threat to democracy,” Stocker now insists mainstream parties must engage national-oriented forces “on their own terms,” rejecting a political “firewall.” The shift follows failed attempts to form a coalition with centrist parties, prompting criticism over his openness to FPÖ collaboration.
The FPÖ, though excluded from government despite its election victory, has capitalised on public discontent over the increasing number of asylum applications. Stocker’s government has already tightened policies, suspending family reunification for asylum seekers, a move condemned by UN agencies as violating children’s rights.
Stocker claims Austria is part of a “growing group of countries” advocating for asylum reforms, including faster deportations and external processing centres.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), UNHCR, and UNICEF recently warned Austria’s family reunification freeze risks severing vital familial bonds and contravenes international law. Meanwhile, the European Commission has launched an infringement procedure over Austria’s non-compliance with the EU Returns Directive.
With the FPÖ leading polls ahead of 2026’s snap election, the Chancellor’s gamble risks further polarising Austria’s political landscape while testing EU unity on migration.
