Hungary Faces End of Schengen Agreement as Slovenia Makes Surprising Decision
Slovenia Extends Border Control Deadline
The Slovenian Interior Minister has announced that his country will continue border control even during the summer and has postponed the possible end date until 21 December. This decision comes as a response to new threats affecting public order and safety in Slovenia and the European Union.
Interior Minister Bostjan Poklukar mentioned recent events such as violence in the Middle East, tensions between Iran and Israel, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, cyber attacks against Slovenia, and upcoming major sporting events like the UEFA European Football Championships and the summer Olympic Games in Paris. Illegal migration was also highlighted as a concern.
In an effort to enhance border security, Slovenia is considering introducing joint patrols with Italian police officers as an alternative to the temporary Schengen border controls. This measure aims to maintain public safety without disrupting travelers, the economy, or individuals residing near the borders.
Slovenia reinstated temporary border control on 21 October 2023, and the government has extended the measure several times. Similar actions have been taken by other countries in the Schengen Zone, such as Germany and Austria. Germany reported apprehending people smugglers and illegal migrants through border control efforts and has extended the measure until December. Border control has been in effect on the Austrian-German border since 2015.
Austria also decided to prolong border control on the Hungarian-Austrian border until November. These actions raise concerns about the future of the Schengen Zone, as illegal migration and regional conflicts continue to pose challenges to security and stability in Europe.
It remains to be seen how the situation will evolve in the coming months and whether joint efforts among Schengen countries will be sufficient to address the security threats facing the region.
For more updates on border control measures and security developments, stay tuned for further announcements and updates.
