Most border crossings from Croatia to Slovenia on Monday introduced One Stop Control border checks which should make it easier for Croatian and other European Union citizens when crossing the Schengen border until Croatia joins the Schengen area itself. On that occasion Croatia's and Slovenia's interior ministers Ranko Ostojic and Gregor Virant respectively visited the border crossing at Obrezje (Slovenia) and Brezice (Croatia) where the police of both countries are conducting joint checks.
"It's a big thing that at 33 of the 36 border crossings there won't be any congestion and that everything functions from the very start", Minister Ostojic said, adding that speedier traffic flow would mean less waiting time at the border.
Minister Virant said that with today's entry of "our dear neighbours" to the EU concrete changes will take place that Croatia's citizens will feel immediately as there would no longer be any customs checks and only one stop for border control.
In addition to the One Stop Control at border crossing to Slovenia, joint border checks have been introduced at border crossings with Hungary.
Border checks at crossings toward these two neighbouring countries will be completely abolished once Croatia enters the Schengen area which is expected to occur within two years once Croatia meets set conditions.
