Ministers Poklukar and Piantedosi back closer cooperation in …

After the meeting, Minister Poklukar emphasised that the atmosphere was very constructive and friendly, reflecting the relations between the ministries and the police forces of both countries. Both Ministers complimented the excellent police cooperation. The discussion focused on the migration situation in both countries and beyond. "We are sadly finding that the number of irregular border crossings on the Western Balkan route has risen, whereas the situation in the south of Italy is currently even worse," Minister Poklukar said, adding that he understands the decision taken by the Italian Government. "By declaring a national state of emergency, Italy sets the legal basis for activation of the civil protection and other services that can now assist in managing the situation in the south of Italy."

Minister Poklukar illustrated the situation in Slovenia, where over 8,500 irregular border-crossings were detected in the first three months of this year. This is the aftereffect of the trend that began in March and April last year and peaked in late summer and early autumn. "I should point out" Poklukar said "that the compensatory measures the Slovenian police have been implementing since Croatia's entry into the Schengen area are also showing different results and statistics." The Ministers also talked about returns. >>Pursuant to the Agreement between the countries, returns are taking place all the time," Poklukar said.

The Agreement clearly defines the criteria, according to which we can only receive the migrants, who entered Italy through Slovenia, got apprehended in the border strip and did not apply for International protection in Italy. The figures are negligible: from 1 January 2023 to 12 April 2023, Slovenian police received 32 persons from Italian authorities. Migration has an impact on the functioning of Schengen.

The Ministers agreed that the Schengen area is one of EU's greatest achievements and that everything needs to be done to preserve it or return it to the state before the introduction of the checks on the internal borders. "An (extreme) measure such as this that some countries have been implementing for years, is not showing the desired results and is instead paralyzing everyday life by the state border as well as the economy," the Slovenian Minister also added. The Italian Minister said that Italy too sees this as an extreme measure and assured that there is no intention of the measure being implemented on the border with Slovenia. Enhanced police cooperation is being considered instead.

The Ministers also agreed that the external EU border needs to be protected more efficiently, ensuring that both countries are ready to provide the necessary support. The bilateral meeting of the Ministers will soon be followed by a meeting of the Police Chiefs of both countries to discuss the options for enhanced cooperation. The existing mixed Italian-Slovenian police patrols function very well, while information exchange and fight against migrant smuggling are important areas where cooperation could be intensified.

Both Ministers welcomed the Brdo Process initiative for deeper cooperation in these segments in the Western Balkan region.