Italy considers replacing border controls with Slovenia
Italy is considering replacing temporary border controls with Slovenia with alternative security measures after the current extension of checks ends. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said this during a meeting with his Slovenian counterpart, Tone Kajzer, reports Anadolu Agency.
Police cooperation
According to Tajani, Rome is positively considering replacing the suspension of free movement rules in the Schengen area at the Italian-Slovenian border with coordinated measures. They are intended to ensure security and counter irregular migration.
Italy is also exploring enhanced cooperation with Slovenia. Among the possible steps, Tajani named a joint police presence modeled on the mechanism currently operating at the border between Italy and France. He added that he had already discussed the matter with Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi.
The current extension of border controls is due to end on December 18.
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Slovenia's position and checks involving Spain
Kajzer welcomed the prospect of closer interaction between the countries and described the border as a space for cooperation and new opportunities. Tajani stressed that Italy's measures are not directed against any particular state, but are linked to security considerations and irregular migration.
Earlier the same day, Italy extended temporary checks on travelers arriving from Spain, citing security risks and the risk of terrorist infiltration. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares criticized the decision, calling it absurd, useless and shameful. Tajani defended Italy's approach, saying that the security situation requires the protection of state borders.
According to estimates by the Spanish government, tens of thousands of people had crossed the border from Morocco into Ceuta en masse over July 30-31 before that.
