Austria's new government has announced a controversial halt to family reunification for refugees, citing strain on public services like education.

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner plans to justify the move under EU law by declaring a national emergency, though experts question the legal and factual basis for such a claim.

While the government argues the measure is necessary to prevent overburdening schools, critics point out that refugee entry numbers have been declining.

The policy reflects a broader European trend toward stricter migration controls, but its implementation faces significant legal and practical hurdles.

The coalition government, led by Chancellor Christian Stocker, remains committed to the plan despite internal and external skepticism.