Matoz after visiting the border crossing Obrežje: Citizens' safety will be improved

On June 23, 2026, Minister for Internal Affairs and Public Administration Franci Matoz visited the former border crossing point of Obrežje alongside Brežice Mayor Ivan Molan. The visit was part of a broader effort to address concerns about security on the region following the removal of temporary border control measures on the internal Schengen borders with Croatia and Hungary. During their meeting, Matoz and Molan discussed how local residents' safety would be maintained despite these changes.

The two officials also visited the Police Station for Reintegration Measures in Novo mesto and the Registration Center for Handling Foreigners who have illegally crossed the state border. These locations were central to understanding the new procedures that would replace the previous border controls. The focus of the discussions revolved around ensuring continued security for the local population after the shift in policing strategies.

Matoz emphasized that the absence of police presence at former border crossings would not lead to a decline in safety but rather result in an improvement. He noted that there had been no instances of illegal migration through these border points previously. With the removal of direct border oversight, additional measures such as reintegration programs and registration processes would ensure greater security. Matoz assured citizens that they should not fear for their safety, stating clearly that security would remain guaranteed under the new framework.

Mayor Molan expressed satisfaction with the responses he received during the meeting. He highlighted that the police would now provide increased monitoring along the green border—referring to the informal boundary between countries within the Schengen area—and this would contribute significantly to public safety. His comments reflected confidence in the government's ability to adapt to the new situation without compromising regional stability.

Alongside Matoz and Molan, the visit included Dr. Franc Kangler, State Secretary at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Public Administration, and Danijel Lorbek, acting head of the General Directorate of Police. Their participation underscored the importance placed on coordinating efforts among various governmental bodies to maintain effective security protocols.

In addition to his meeting with Molan, Matoz held talks with his Croatian counterpart, Davor Božinović. They discussed the implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact, focusing on collaborative approaches to managing migration flows. Božinović thanked Slovenia for removing the temporary border control on its side of the border with Croatia, noting that Slovenia would monitor unauthorized crossings using alternative methods. Both officials stressed the positive cooperation between their respective ministries and police forces, marking their first official meeting in these roles.

The discussions reflect a strategic approach aimed at maintaining national security while adapting to evolving European Union policies regarding internal border management. By shifting from direct surveillance at specific checkpoints to more comprehensive reintegration and registration mechanisms, authorities aim to create a system that effectively prevents illegal immigration without undermining community safety. This transition highlights a broader trend towards more flexible yet robust security frameworks designed to meet contemporary challenges in cross-border governance.