Hojs in Zagreb for talks on Croatia’s accession to Schengen

Zagreb – Interior Minister Aleš Hojs met his Croatian counterpart Davor Božinović in Zagreb on Tuesday for talks focusing on Croatia’s accession to the Schengen passport-free zone and bilateral cooperation.

A release from the Interior Ministry said the ministers talked about the achievements of Slovenia’s presidency of the Council of the EU in home affairs, noting in particular conclusions on Croatia’s readiness to join Schengen.

“I am proud of the unanimous decision of the Council at the last regular meeting of EU home affairs ministers during our presidency. This is the first formal step towards the Council’s final decision on the enlargement of the Schengen area, which I consider to be one of the main achievements of the presidency,” Hojs was quoted as saying.

Slovenia supports Schengen enlargement. “At the same time, we need to ensure a high level of security for the whole Schengen area, thus we expect future members to fully implement the tasks under the Schengen law and control the EU’s external borders as their daily practice,” said Hojs.

He also discussed bilateral cooperation in home affairs with Božinović, in particular in prevention of illegal migration.

They noted excellent cooperation, calling for comprehensive joint solutions to migration and asylum policies at the EU level. They noted the importance of preventing illegal migration and adopting a more effective migrant return policy.

Accompanied by state secretaries Franc Kangler and Terezija Gras, the ministers also visited the Cetingrad police station to get acquainted with the work of the border police there.

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