Slovenia Extends Border Controls with Croatia and Hungary Amid Security Concerns

Slovenian authorities have announced an extension of the temporarily introduced border controls with Croatia and Hungary, with the measures now set to remain in effect until November 19, 2023. These controls, initially imposed on October 21, 2023, are aimed at ensuring a high level of security for residents in response to increased terrorist threats, as reported by the Ministry of Interior of Slovenia.

"The modalities and intensity of temporary controls at the internal borders will be applied according to the principle of proportionality and will continue to focus on the prevention of terrorism, extremism and cross-border crime," said the Slovenian Ministry of Interior.

The decision to prolong these border controls is driven by the need to prevent terrorism, extremism, and cross-border crime. The ministry emphasized that these measures will be applied with proportionality and will be adjusted as needed to minimize disruption to border traffic.

"The same stressed that for as long as the measures are effective, they will be accordingly adjusted so that there is little to no disruption of traffic at the border."

Furthermore, the authorities are working to ensure that these measures have minimal disruptive effects on the environment, economy, and residents living in the border area. The initial introduction of border controls in Slovenia on October 21 was prompted by the observation of an increased level of organized crime in the Western Balkans.

The Slovenian law enforcement agencies have been closely monitoring potential threats and the security situation within the country and the region. They are also paying attention to factors that may contribute to the rise in radicalization and violent extremism.

Travellers entering Slovenia through border crossing points with Croatia and Hungary will be required to present a valid travel document, and the authorities urge travelers to verify the validity of their documents in advance to avoid entry refusal.

"Travellers should observe the conditions for crossing the border at specific border crossing points, and follow a changed traffic regime and instructions of police officers," according to the Slovenian Ministry of Interior.

The Ministry of Interior of Slovenia has called on travelers to observe the specific conditions for crossing the border at designated points and to comply with any altered traffic regulations and instructions from police officers.

Slovenia is not the only European Union country implementing internal border controls with its neighboring countries. Italy has also introduced internal border controls with Slovenia, citing security concerns. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed dissatisfaction with the initial measures, stating that they were insufficient to guarantee the required security. As a result, Italy decided to reinstate border controls for an initial ten-day period.

However, given the ongoing security situation, Italian authorities have now indicated their intention to extend these border controls with Slovenia into 2024. Matteo Piantedosi, the Italian Ministry of Interior, emphasized the need to tighten these measures due to the heightened risk.

By fLEXI tEAM