by InTrieste
Regional officials in Friuli Venezia Giulia last week defended the continued suspension of Schengen free-movement rules at the Italian-Slovenian border, arguing that the measure has improved security despite its financial cost.
Speaking before the Regional Council, Security Councillor Pierpaolo Roberti said border controls introduced in October 2023 had produced significant results. Authorities reported carrying out checks on nearly 1.5 million people and about 800,000 vehicles through early June 2026.
According to regional figures, 659 people were arrested during the period, including 280 accused of facilitating illegal immigration. Authorities also identified more than 20,000 people who had entered the country illegally, among them over 1,800 unaccompanied minors.
Regional data show a decline in migrant arrivals since the controls were introduced. In 2024, arrivals in Friuli Venezia Giulia fell by more than 50 percent compared with the previous year. The decrease continued in 2025, with arrivals down roughly 60 percent from 2023 levels.
Mr. Roberti said the estimated €20 million cost of the operation, cited in media reports, should be viewed as an investment in public safety. He added that the controls had not significantly disrupted cross-border travel, economic activity between Italy and Slovenia, or major international events in the region.
