Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, has announced a substantial reduction in irregular migration at the border with Slovenia, attributing this success to enhanced border controls. The announcement followed a meeting in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, on January 20, where Piantedosi met with Slovenian Interior Minister Boštjan Poklukar and Croatian Interior Minister Davor Božinović to discuss regional migration and security challenges.
According to Piantedosi, between October 21, 2023, and January 15, 2025, approximately 6,200 irregular migrants crossed into Italy from Slovenia. This figure represents a 48% decrease compared to the same period in the previous year. During this timeframe, Italian authorities identified 2,300 individuals, arrested 318 people, and charged 160 with facilitating illegal migration. Additionally, 188 individuals flagged as potential security risks were added to the Schengen Police database, further enhancing regional safety.
The minister emphasized that the reinforced border controls have acted as a strong deterrent against illegal crossings. He also discussed the importance of collaboration with Slovenia and Croatia in addressing migration challenges, highlighting the shared commitment to improving regional security.
Slovenia’s Interior Minister, Boštjan Poklukar, echoed Piantedosi’s sentiments, emphasizing the role of teamwork in achieving these results. Poklukar expressed optimism about eventually removing temporary border controls once conditions improve. “By working together, we are stronger and more effective in tackling these issues,” he said.
During the meeting, the ministers explored strategies for managing migration along the Balkan route and enhancing security measures. A key outcome of the discussion was the decision to develop a plan for joint border patrols along Croatia’s outer border. This initiative will be implemented under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the police forces of Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, aiming to strengthen their collective efforts in border management.
Croatia’s Interior Minister, Davor Božinović, provided further insights, revealing that illegal crossings into Croatia had dropped by 60% in the first three weeks of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. He also shared that Croatian authorities arrested 1,834 smugglers in 2024. Božinović highlighted Croatia’s focus on high-risk areas and its collaboration with Bosnia and Frontex to combat smuggling networks and bolster border security.
The meeting highlighted the commitment of Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia to addressing migration and security issues through coordinated efforts. By working together, the three nations aim to create a safer region while managing migration more effectively. Their cooperation serves as a model for regional collaboration in tackling complex challenges.