Slovenia has extended temporary border controls on its frontiers with Hungary and Croatia for another six months, meaning the measures will remain in force until 21 December, the government in Ljubljana announced after Thursday’s cabinet meeting.
The Slovenian government said the decision was prompted by the still unstable security situation both in the European Union’s neighbourhood and in the wider international environment, which it believes continues to affect the internal security of EU member states.
Controls first introduced in 2023
Slovenia originally reintroduced checks at the Hungarian and Croatian borders on 21 October 2023, citing the worsening security situation in the Middle East and an increased terrorist threat.
At the same time, Italy also introduced checks on its frontier with Slovenia for similar reasons. Those controls have since been repeatedly extended.
Earlier this week, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi confirmed that Rome would once again prolong controls at the internal Schengen border with Slovenia. He stressed, however, that the measure would not disrupt cross-border traffic or trade, similarly to previous extensions.
Slovenia cites war, hybrid threats and illegal migration
In its statement, the Slovenian government warned that the global security environment remains fragile.
Officials highlighted the continuing Russia-Ukraine war, as well as what they described as destabilisation activities, hybrid threats, disinformation campaigns and other security risks affecting both EU member states and candidate countries.
The government also pointed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the cross-border operations of international criminal networks, illegal migration routes and abuses involving transport corridors.
What’s next? Hungary to upgrade border crossings with new technology for faster and safer travel
What travellers should expect
Although the crossing points remain open under the Schengen Area system, travellers crossing between Hungary and Slovenia may continue to encounter occasional identity checks and increased police presence near border crossings.
The Slovenian government added that security authorities are continuously monitoring risks, the regional security situation and the impact of the frontier measures, with the long-term goal of returning to a fully control-free Schengen regime as soon as conditions allow.
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