Croatia’s border crossings were lifted after becoming part of the Schengen Zone in December 2021, but temporary controls have been introduced to halt irregular migration. Similar concerns have led several EU countries to reintroduce controls along their borders to prevent unlawful attempts to reach their countries. The European Council lifted controls with Croatia on January 1, 2023, and checks on persons at internal land and sea borders between Croatia and other Schengen countries will be lifted from March 26, 2023. Zagreb will also begin issuing Schengen visas and fully use the Schengen Information System from January 1, 2023.
The war between Israel and Hamas and fears over irregular border crossings have led several EU countries to initiate frontier checks. Slovenia’s government announced it would initiate controls with Croatia and Hungary, effective October 21, and remain effective for ten days. The measure is allowed for a period of two months under the Schengen Border Code. Frontex, the European Union Border and Guard Agency, reported 331,600 irregular border crossing attempts in the first ten months of this year, with the Western Balkan route being the second most active route in September.
Croatia has been placing a high priority on border security since 2015, when it saw large number of migrants crossing through its territory during the European Migration Crisis. It’s geographical location plays an important role as it is safeguarding the external borders of the Schengen Area.
The country has invested in modern surveillance equipment, including cameras and drones, to monitor its borders effectively. There has also been an Increase in personnel, including border police and Frontex officers as well as enhanced on-the-ground capabilities. Cooperation with neighboring countries, especially Slovenia, and engagement with Frontex contribute to a coordinated approach in managing migratory flows.
However, Croatia’s border practices have faced scrutiny, with allegations of pushbacks and human rights abuses. Reports from international organizations and NGOs have raised concerns about the treatment of migrants and refugees. Croatia maintains that it adheres to international law while protecting its borders, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to ensure both security and humanitarian considerations. However, many of the international organizations and NGOs are also accused of not being impartial and rather playing a role in which they try to make illegal immigration to Europe as easy as possible. So far, Croatia has not allowed these organizations to affect its position on border control.
