Slovenia has announced it will extend border controls with Croatia and Hungary for another six months, citing heightened security concerns and the threat of terrorism. The government insists the measures, described as temporary, are necessary to ensure public safety.

Authorities have promised that the additional checks at border crossings will be carried out with minimal disruption to travelers and trade. Despite this assurance, the move is likely to raise eyebrows among neighboring countries and EU officials, given the Schengen area’s principle of free movement. Slovenia plans to notify the European Commission, the European Parliament, and other EU member states about the extension in accordance with Article 27 of the Schengen Borders Code.

Slovenia is not alone in tightening its borders. Austria and Italy have also prolonged controls on their borders with Slovenia, and the Netherlands is set to introduce checks with Belgium and Germany starting December 9. These measures reflect a growing trend within the EU, where several nations have reintroduced internal border controls in response to security threats.

For now, Slovenia insists the move is a necessary precaution, but critics may question whether this is another step towards unraveling the EU’s cherished open-border policy.