The Slovenian government has approved a draft law aimed at implementing the European Union’s Eurodac system, which involves collecting biometric data on foreign nationals. This decision marks a significant step in aligning Slovenia's legal framework with the new EU asylum policy, known as the Migration and Asylum Pact. The proposed legislation will now proceed to the National Assembly for further consideration. According to the State Agency for Public Administration, the Eurodac database serves as the digital backbone of the new EU asylum system and is a crucial component of the Migration and Asylum Pact, which member states have fully implemented since June 12. The pact introduces a comprehensive approach to managing migration, linking asylum policies, border control, return procedures, and integration while strengthening solidarity and responsibility among member states. Within this framework, new procedures at external borders, a balanced system of responsibilities and solidarity between member states, and mechanisms for effective responses during crises are established.
The updated Eurodac system represents a centralized biometric database within the EU, where biometric data of foreigners who have submitted an application for international protection, entered the EU illegally, been discovered living unlawfully, or were rescued during maritime operations are recorded. With the adoption of the law, Slovenia fulfills its obligations under EU law and ensures seamless implementation of European legislation. It also contributes to the efficient operation of the asylum system and the entire interoperability system concerning border management, visas, police and judicial cooperation, asylum, and migration both domestically and at the EU level. The previous government did not ensure the adoption of legislation that would appropriately regulate the implementation of the pact within Slovenian legal order.
The new Eurodac system enables more efficient processing and comparison of submitted asylum applications with existing cases. It supports monitoring secondary movements of foreigners and asylum seekers across the EU, facilitates return procedures, and allows identification of individuals who could pose a threat to internal security within member states. At the same time, the system strengthens the protection of vulnerable groups and enables faster processing of individuals requiring international protection. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Public Administration, the legal proposal regulates the processing and storage of biometric and other personal data, the method of their transmission to the Eurodac system, and notification procedures.
The new law expands the scope of individuals included in the Eurodac register, encompassing those apprehended during illegal border crossings, those residing unlawfully, and others related to migration. The range of data collected in the European registry will increase, including not just fingerprints but also facial images, identity information, and copies of travel documents. Data collection will be mandatory for all, including children aged six and older, raising concerns about potential violations of human rights and racial profiling. Opposition parties such as the Left and the Civic List opposed the law, arguing that it shifts focus from protecting individuals to stricter surveillance. They criticized the expansion of biometric data collection, particularly regarding vulnerable groups, questioning whether the necessary safeguards against misuse have been adequately established.
Supporters of the law argue that the centralized biometric database is essential for security. The political alliance NSi, SLS, and Fokus supported the law, emphasizing the need to regulate the flow of people effectively. They stated that the legal proposal is necessary to ensure that individuals genuinely entitled to asylum receive prompt attention, while those posing greater security risks can be identified earlier. The Freedom party emphasized the need for an effective yet proportional oversight system, stating that the state must have appropriate systems for monitoring migration without infringing upon human rights. They noted that the previous government had delayed the submission of the legal proposal, leaving it awaiting formal legislative procedures.
Critics from the opposition, particularly the Left and the Civic List, expressed concerns over the expansion of biometric records, arguing that the EU has treated migration primarily as a security issue rather than a social and humanitarian concern. They contended that instead of building a Europe of solidarity, the EU is constructing a fortress Europe. They highlighted that the absence of one additional biometric record does not constitute a significant security risk compared to the lack of care for individuals needing assistance. Both the Left and the Civic List opposed the legal proposal, citing these concerns.
The National Assembly will consider the legal proposal on an extraordinary session following the urgent procedure. The government aims to define the responsibilities for handling asylum applications. According to the provisions of the Migration and Asylum Pact, the police will be responsible for collecting biometric and other personal data, including those apprehended during illegal border crossings, those residing unlawfully in Slovenia, and those who have applied for international protection. Additionally, the legal proposal establishes the legal basis for transmitting data from national information systems to the central system. The police will send collected data on foreigners apprehended during illegal border crossings and those residing unlawfully in Slovenia to the Eurodac system. Data on individuals who have applied for international protection will be taken over by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Public Administration and entered into the Eurodac system.
The debate surrounding the implementation of the Eurodac system highlights broader discussions about migration management, security, and human rights. While supporters emphasize the necessity of enhanced security measures and efficient processing of asylum applications, critics raise concerns about potential abuses and disproportionate surveillance. The upcoming deliberations in the National Assembly will determine how Slovenia navigates these complex issues, balancing the need for robust migration governance with the protection of fundamental rights.
7 reports
RTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 8014 days agoThe Slovenian government has proposed legislation to establish the Eurodac system, which aligns with new European asylum laws by enabling the comparison of biometric data of asylum seekers and individuals residing illegally in the country. Under this system, police would collect biometric and personal data from individuals who have crossed borders unlawfully, applied for international protection, or reside illegally in Slovenia. The system aims to identify vulnerable groups such as unaccompanied minors and reduce their risk of exploitation. According to the proposal, the updated system will expand into a broader database, supporting member states in asylum-related matters by providing direct access to migration data, focusing on individuals, including new categories of people, and improving procedures for relocation and return management. However, opposition parties like the Left and Freedom have criticized the proposal, arguing that the EU’s common rules are inadequate for addressing migration and that the integration pillar of the EU has been weaker than the border control pillar. Critics warn of potential ethnic and racial profiling, automated decision-making processes, and mis-
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the government's proposal and the criticisms from opposition parties, offering balanced perspectives without overtly favoring either side. It includes quotes from both supporters and critics of the legislation, ensuring a neutral framing.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 80): This article presents the facts accurately, detailing the legal framework and the scope of the Eurodac system. It includes perspectives from both government officials and opposition members, maintaining a relatively balanced tone.
RTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenterFactual 93Objective 8213 days ago MEPs will discuss the draft law establishing Eurodac at the extraordinary sessionThe Slovenian National Assembly (Državni zbor) will discuss a proposed law implementing the European regulation establishing the Eurodac system for comparing biometric data, which is part of the new EU asylum system. The government aims to define responsibilities for processing international protection requests, with police tasked to collect biometric and personal data from individuals caught during illegal border crossings, those illegally residing in Slovenia, or who have applied for international protection. The proposal outlines the legal basis for transferring data from national systems into the Eurodac database. Data on individuals seeking international protection will be collected by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Public Administration and entered into the system. Additionally, the assembly will not address a request from the Freedom and Left and Green parties regarding a shortened procedure for a veterinary law amendment, as the proposal was removed from the legislative process by the Resilience party.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the legislative process and the content of the proposed law without overtly favoring any political side. It includes details about the roles of different institutions and parties but does not use biased language or selectively present information to swt
Why these scores (Factual 93 · Objective 82): The article accurately covers the legislative developments around the Eurodac system and presents the situation objectively, highlighting the system's purpose and the involvement of various stakeholders without overt bias.
Maribor24IndependentCenterFactual 92Objective 7813 days agoThe Slovenian parliament has passed a law implementing the European Regulation establishing the Eurodac system, which involves collecting fingerprints and facial images of individuals seeking asylum or involved in irregular migration. The law defines responsibilities for processing asylum applications and aims to prevent human trafficking by improving identification of vulnerable groups, including unaccompanied minors. Under the regulation, police will collect biometric data from individuals caught crossing borders illegally or residing unlawfully in Slovenia, while the Ministry of Internal Affairs will handle data from those applying for international protection. The Social Democrats (SDS) criticized the government for delaying the proposal, but other parties like NSi, SLS, and Fokus supported it, emphasizing the need for orderly migration management. Freedom Party members emphasized the importance of an effective yet proportionate system to protect human rights.
Bias read (Center): The article presents multiple perspectives from different political parties, including criticism from SDS regarding delays and support from NSi, SLS, and Fokus. It includes quotes from various representatives without overtly favoring any side, maintaining a balanced tone.
Why these scores (Factual 92 · Objective 78): The article gives an accurate account of the legislative process and the Eurodac system's function. It maintains a neutral tone while providing necessary background information and mentioning different political positions.
24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 7513 days agoThe Slovenian National Assembly has approved a new law aimed at strengthening border control and migration management, aligning with European directives. The law expands the scope of biometric data collected, including facial images, identity information, and copies of travel documents, for individuals involved in illegal border crossings and asylum seekers. This expansion applies to children aged six and older, raising concerns from opposition parties about potential violations of human rights and ethnic profiling. While the governing coalition supports the measure as essential for security, opposition parties like the Left and SD have criticized it, citing unresolved questions about the necessity of these measures and safeguards against misuse. The law was passed after delays attributed to the previous government's policies, which were seen as favoring open-door approaches domestically despite stricter EU-level actions.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both supporting and opposing viewpoints regarding the new biometric registration law, highlighting concerns from opposition parties while also quoting supporters who emphasize national security. It does not exhibit clear bias toward one side but rather provides a balanced view.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 75): The article accurately reports the legislative action regarding the Eurodac system, including the expansion of biometric data collection and quotes from officials and opposition members. However, it leans slightly towards the opposition's perspective by emphasizing concerns about human rights and pr
Nova24TVParty-alignedCenterFactual 90Objective 7518 days agoThe government has adopted a proposal for legislation implementing the EU regulation establishing the Eurodac system, which involves collecting biometric data of foreigners. The system is part of the new EU asylum framework and aims to create a centralized database for comparing biometric information. The law now moves to the National Assembly for further processing.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the adoption of a legislative proposal related to the Eurodac system without overtly favoring any political side. It includes quotes from official sources and describes the technical aspects of the system without evaluative language or emphasis on one立场
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 75): The article accurately describes the implementation of the Eurodac system and its role within the new asylum framework. However, it shows some bias by emphasizing the government's stance over critical voices.
Slovenske noviceIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7013 days agoThe Slovenian Parliament is currently discussing a proposed law implementing the EU's Eurodac regulation, which establishes a centralized biometric database for international protection applications. The system allows for better processing of asylum requests by comparing biometric data and aids in detecting and preventing terrorism and serious crimes. Eurodac was legally established in 2000 but began operations three years later. The implementation has been delayed, with data processing starting in June 2026, several months after the EU-wide rollout. The law would enable authorities to identify vulnerable individuals among migrants and asylum seekers.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual overview of the legislative process surrounding the Eurodac system without overtly favoring any side. It explains the purpose of the system, its legal background, and the current status of implementation without using biased language or emphasizing one perspective over
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): The article provides factual information about the Eurodac system but lacks depth in explaining the specific changes being implemented. It also has a somewhat biased tone by focusing on the system's purpose rather than presenting multiple viewpoints.
DeloIndependent🔒Center14 days agoThe Slovenian parliament is set to adopt a proposal for implementing the EU Regulation establishing the Eurodac system, which compares biometric data to support asylum management and prevent terrorism and serious crimes. The system has been legally established since 2000 but began operations three years later. It will now expand its database to include facial photographs, identification details, and copies of personal or travel documents. This will aid in identifying individuals applying for asylum or illegally entering the country, as well as detecting multiple identities through biometric comparison.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the proposed legislation and the Eurodac system without overtly favoring any political side. It explains the purpose, timeline, and technical aspects of the system neutrally, with no evident ideological framing or biased language.
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