Slovenia to Set Up Temporary Facilities for Handling Migrants at Obrežje Border Crossing with Croatia
In response to ongoing migration challenges, the Slovenian government announced plans to provide temporary facilities for handling migrants at the Obrežje border crossing with Croatia. According to reports, authorities will set up a fence, two accommodation containers, tents, and sanitary facilities at the former border crossing, which can be used for up to three years.
Last year, Slovenia removed the border checkpoint with Croatia after Croatia joined the border-free Schengen area. However, in September, Slovenian authorities decided to implement police checkpoints along the border with Croatia to prevent irregular entries into its territory.
To address and prevent irregular migration along the Western Balkan route, the interior ministers of Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy participated in a trilateral meeting in Buzet, Croatia, where they discussed increasing cooperation among the three countries, focusing on interior ministries and police forces.
In October, authorities of these countries decided to implement stricter border controls amid security concerns and the situation in the Middle East. The Slovenian police have reported over 60,000 individuals who entered the country illegally, leading to Slovenia hosting a trilateral meeting of interior ministers in March, where they will also invite the interior minister of the Western Balkan countries.
In addition to Croatia, Slovenia has extended border controls with Croatia and Hungary until June 2024, in efforts to prevent terrorism, extremism, people smuggling, and irregular migration.
The ongoing measures in Slovenia and other countries in the region signify a united effort to address the challenges of irregular migration and ensure the safety and security of their borders. This demonstrates the commitment of these countries to work together to prevent illegal migration along the Western Balkan route and avoid radicalization and terrorism in the region and the European Union.
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