Slovenia has decided to extend the current internal border controls with Croatia and Hungary as soon as the current measure ceases to be effective.
Sharing the news, the Slovenian government said that the internal border controls with these two neighbouring countries would be extended for an additional period of six months, Schengen.News reports.
The current border measure that Slovenia has with Croatia and Hungary is effective until December 21, 2024. This means that once the extension takes effect, the border controls for all those entering the territory of Slovenia via its land borders with Croatia and Hungary will have to undergo check until June 2025.
As explained by the government, this measure is bboreing extended due to increased terrorism threats, and its aim is to ensure national and public security.
The same noted that the EU Commission, EU Parliament, and EU member states would be informed soon about this decision.
Despite the measure remaining in place until the second half of 2025, officials reassured that police controls at the border with Croatia and Hungary will have a minimal impact on passenger and business flows.
Slovenia initially introduced controls at its borders with Croatia and Hungary on October 21, 2023. The measure has been continuously extended since then.
Austria & Italy Have Also Decided to Extend Border Controls With Slovenia
Slovenia is not the only EU member state that has decided to take such a measure. Two of its neighbouring countries, Austria and Italy, have also decided to extend their border controls with Slovenia.
The Austrian authorities announced just ten days ago that the country would continue to keep its internal border controls in place with Slovenia and Hungary for an additional six months. Since the measure was extended on November 12, 2024, Austria will carry out controls at the border with Slovenia and Hungary until May 2025.
Similarly, Italy said it would extend its border controls with Slovenia for another six months as soon as the current measure ends. Italy’s border measure with Slovenia ends on December 18, 2024, meaning that the country will apply controls with Slovenia until June 2025.
These Other Countries Currently Apply Border Measures, Too
In addition to the above-mentioned countries, Germany, Norway, France, Denmark, and Sweden also currently have border measures in place.
Germany reintroduced internal border controls with all its neighbouring countries on September 16 in an attempt to prevent irregular migration, people smuggling, and terrorist threats.
At the beginning of November, France also reinstated internal border controls with the Schengen countries with which it shares borders. By reinforcing this measure, the French authorities said that they want to combat irregular migration and ensure national security and safety.
On the other hand, Norway has prolonged its border checks for a short period of time. The Norwegian Minister of Justice and Emergency Services, Emilie Mehl, extended the measure only until December 1, 2024.
From next month, the Netherlands will impose border controls, too. The country said that the measure, which is aimed at tackling migrant smuggling and irregular migration, will remain in place for six months.
Source: https://schengen.news/slovenia-prolongs-internal-border-controls-with-croatia-hungary-until-june-2025/
