EU Home Affairs Ministers discuss the Migration and Asylum Pact

Minister of the Interior Boštjan Poklukar is currently participating in the Home Affairs Ministers Council meeting in Luxembourg, where the primary agenda items include the Migration and Asylum Pact and the situation in the Schengen area. Minister Poklukar emphasized the significance of the Migration and Asylum Pact, specifically the asylum procedure regulation and the asylum and migration management regulation, which are crucial components that necessitate further negotiations with the European Parliament. While a compromise proposal is being discussed, Slovenia supports the framework for negotiations, considering the potential consequences of not engaging in the process. Minister Poklukar acknowledged Slovenia's reservations, which he believes should be considered in the final document. He addressed questions about the number of applicants Slovenia would accept through relocation, noting that specific figures have not been thoroughly deliberated but expressed that the burden would not prevent Slovenia from accepting a compromise proposal.

Regarding the situation in the Schengen area, Minister Poklukar highlighted the ongoing internal border controls carried out by Austria at the Slovenian-Austrian border, which Slovenia considers to be an illegal and disproportionate measure. He pointed out the adverse impacts of these controls, such as traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and economic damage. Minister Poklukar has corresponded with European Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson and European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas, emphasizing the urgent need for action from the European Commission. He believes that Slovenia is not the only country facing challenges with internal border controls and anticipates support from other nations in finding a solution to address and gradually eliminate these issues.