Matoz and Božinović on the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum

On June 23, 2026, Slovenian Minister of Internal Affairs Franci Matoz met with his Croatian counterpart, Davor Božinović, in Croatia to discuss the implementation of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum. The meeting took place in the town of Maria Gorica, where both ministers emphasized the importance of cooperation between their countries in managing migration flows and ensuring compliance with the new European regulations. They confirmed that both nations are committed to working together under the framework of the pact, which came into effect on June 12, 2026.

The discussion centered around how each country would apply the pact's provisions, particularly regarding the management of irregular border crossings and asylum procedures. Both ministers stressed that the success of the pact depends on all member states adhering strictly to its rules. According to Božinović, the pact introduces a completely new approach to handling migration, one that Slovenia and Croatia have long supported. He explained that the pact aims to prevent abuse of asylum procedures by requiring states to determine within seven days where an applicant comes from. If someone has already submitted an asylum application in another EU country, their request will automatically be rejected, and they will be enrolled in a return program.

Matoz highlighted the obligation under the pact for states to register all migrants who cross borders illegally using biometric data and input this information into the Eurodac system. This measure is intended to prevent identity fraud and ensure that individuals claiming to come from one country are actually from elsewhere. He noted that Slovenia had not yet fully implemented all aspects of the pact into its legislation but was already applying some parts based on the agreement itself.

Croatia, according to Božinović, had completed all necessary legal changes to implement the pact more than a month and a half ago. In contrast, Slovenia is still in the process of incorporating all its provisions into national law. Despite this, Matoz stated that Slovenia is partially implementing the pact already, as certain elements can be applied directly through the agreement without additional legislative steps.

Both ministers also discussed the impact of the pact on secondary migration, with Božinović estimating that about 60 percent of those arriving at Croatian borders had previously passed through at least one other EU member state. He expressed confidence that the pact would reduce such secondary movements significantly. Meanwhile, Slovenia recorded a 40 percent increase in illegal border crossings compared to the same period last year, while Croatia observed a decline of approximately 30 percent.

During their meeting, both ministers praised the existing collaboration between their ministries and police forces. Božinović specifically thanked Slovenia for abolishing internal border controls with Croatia and for monitoring unauthorized crossings differently. He also acknowledged the good relations maintained with previous Slovenian governments, including the one led by Janez Janša, which had helped Croatia gain access to the Schengen area—a gesture he said Croatia does not forget.

In addition to discussing migration policies, the two ministers addressed issues related to the upcoming tourist season. They confirmed that both countries continue to cooperate effectively during this time, sharing experiences and best practices. They agreed to maintain joint patrols along the external Schengen border to ensure continued security and coordination.

Matoz also visited the border crossing point at Obrežje, where he met with the mayor of Brežice, Ivan Molan. During their conversation, Matoz assured the mayor that the safety of citizens would remain guaranteed following the removal of temporary control measures on the internal Schengen border with Croatia and Hungary. The discussions focused on maintaining security in the region despite these changes, emphasizing the commitment of both sides to protect public safety and manage migration responsibly.