Slovenian leader wants talks on EU systematic border checks

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (AP) — Slovenia’s prime minister said Tuesday he wants discussions over increased border controls that have led to huge lines of cars forming on the country’s border with Croatia.

The rules introducing systematic checks of European Union citizens on the external borders of the bloc’s travel-free zone, or Schengen, came into force earlier this month as part of efforts to boost security.

But the measures have slowed down the entry procedure, forcing European travelers to wait for several hours during the Easter holidays on Slovenia’s border with Croatia — also an EU member but outside the Schengen area.

Slovenia Prime Minister Miro Cerar said he wants to discuss the issue with EU and Croatian officials so a solution can be found before the start of the summer tourism season. Croatian officials have urged targeted controls.

“I’m also striving to soften the restrictions in the directive on the crossing of the border, in particular during the holiday period,” Cerar said, according to the official STA news agency.

“However, as has been pointed out, the directive is in place, it is important for security reasons and Slovenia will respect it,” he added.

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