TheSlovenian border barrier was aborder barrier constructed bySlovenia in 2015–2016 on its border withCroatia as a response to theEuropean migrant crisis. Both Slovenia and Croatia areEuropean Union members, therefore the barrier was located on an internal EU border; but previously only Slovenia was a member of the free travelSchengen Area, with Croatia joining the area in 2023. In March 2016, Slovenia announced that only migrants who apply for asylum in Slovenia and those with clear humanitarian needs will be allowed to enter Slovenian territory.[1]
The 643 km border between Slovenia and Croatia formed the southeastern border of theSchengen Area, the passport-free zone shared by members states of theEuropean Union. Hundreds of thousands of migrants have attempted to enter the Schengen Area in 2015, with over 171,000 of refugees of the wars inAfghanistan andSyria crossing into Slovenia from Croatia since Hungaryclosed its border on 16 October 2015.[2][3]
In November 2015, Slovenia started construction of the barrier consisting ofrazor wire. The stated aim of the barrier was to control the flow of refugees and migrants while keeping the border open.[3] This move could potentially divert the flow of immigrants to cross into the Schengen Area through Albania and Italy.[2]
In March 2016, Slovenia barred migrants from transiting through its territory[4] and announced that only migrants who apply for asylum in Slovenia and those with clear humanitarian needs will be allowed to enter Slovenian territory. In reaction,Serbia announced closure of its borders withMacedonia andBulgaria to migrants without valid documents.[1]
As of January 1, 2023, all land borders and barriers dividing Croatia and Slovenia have been removed due to Croatia's accession toSchengen Area.
Croatia complained to the EU that the Slovenian fence is an obstacle formigration of wildlife such asdeer and that "Slovenia is violating European legislation on the conservation of natural habitats and the environment".[5] The razor-wire fence laid by Slovenia in December 2015 on the border with western Croatian regions ofIstria andGorski kotar endangers the habitat of thewolf and thebrown bear, both of which are protected by law in Croatia. Local hunters have found deer killed by the fence.[6] TheWWF and the inhabitants of the regions from both sides of the border have protested against the decision to put up the razor-wire fence.[6][7][8]