Like nine other European Union countries, including France, which have decided to lock some of their borders, following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, Italy notified Brussels that it will suspend the Schengen agreements at its border with Slovenia. It intends to block migrants arriving via the Balkan route and possible terrorist infiltrations.
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They are Afghans, Bangladeshis, Kurds, Pakistanis and even North Africans. And many are trying to reach countries, such as Germany and France, via the Slovenian border and the nearby region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
Since January 1, 2023, more than 16,000 irregular migrants have arrived in this region of northeastern Italy, reports RFI’s correspondent in Rome, Anne le Nir. A paltry figure compared to the number of landings in the south of the peninsula. Or 140,000 people, 85% more than in 2022.
But according to the Italian intelligence services, more than ever, “ lone wolves of terrorism » are likely to arrive in Italy via the Balkan route. This is why, faced with increasing threats of violent action within the European Union, the Meloni government decided to armor the border with Slovenia. This exceptional security measure will come into force on October 21 for a period of 10 days, renewable for six months.
Temporary suspension of the Schengen area
Controls at the Slovak border have also been re-established by Poland, the Czech Republic and Austria since October 4.
Furthermore, Austria had also announced the establishment of controls on its border with the Czech Republic in order to deter migrant smugglers. A decision which comes after Germany’s decision to strengthen stationary controls at its borders with Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland.
The reintroduction of such controls in the Schengen area is only permitted in exceptional circumstances. This decision must be notified to Brussels before it can be implemented.
European Ministers of Justice and the Interior are meeting this Thursday, October 19 in Brussels to discuss measures to strengthen security in the European Union following the terrorist attacks in Arras, France, and Belgium, as well as concerns about the impact of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
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