Slovenia is expanding controls at internal Schengen borders with Croatia and Hungary. The Slovenian government has decided to maintain border controls for another 20 days – until November 19, it said in a statement this evening. Border controls were initially introduced for ten days on October 21, a period that would expire on October 30.
Ljubljana reacted to the introduction of controls by Italy, which began controlling the border with Slovenia on the same day. The Slovenian government cited a growing threat of terrorism and security risks due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. “Controls will continue to specifically target the prevention of terrorism, extremism and cross-border crime,” the government said.
Once the new extension expires, the controls could be extended for another month, the Interior Ministry told STA news agency this week. Slovenia is likely to follow Italy’s example in terms of the duration of controls. Rome has already indicated that it intends to continue controls over Slovenia until next year.