Brussels, 10 November - Slovenian MEPs said they supported Croatia joining the Schengen Area, as the European Parliament overwhelmingly endorsed this on Thursday, agreeing that the country is ready for this step and that this is in Slovenia's interest. They noted that this also meant new obligations for Croatia, including the protection of the external EU border.

Franc Bogovič (EPP/SLS) told the STA that it was in "Slovenia's interest for the external EU border to be moved from the Slovenian to the Croatian border, and I personally strongly support Croatia's entry into the Schengen Area."

Bogovič believes that will have a very favourable effect on Slovenia and Croatia, and also on the residents of both countries, on economic cooperation and tourism, as massive tailback on the border during the summer season will be avoided.

Milan Zver and Romana Tomc (both EPP/SDS) agree with the assessment of the EU institutions that Croatia is adequately prepared for entry into the Schengen Area and said that this was in Slovenia's interest.

"I'm happy that ... there are no reservations for Croatia's entry into the Schengen Area," Zver told the STA, adding that this was in Slovenia's interest in terms of security and everyday life.

Slovenian centre-left MEPs are of a similar opinion, with Matjaž Nemec (S&D/SD) saying that he had voted for Croatia's entry into the Schengen Area as the country had fulfilled all the conditions.

Likewise, Irena Joveva and Klemen Grošelj (Renew/Freedom Movement) said this was "a decision in the interest of all, including Slovenia", while also expressing support for a relevant report adopted today by the European Parliament.

The report says that the compliance of border control by Croatia with EU law must be assessed also after its potential accession to the Schengen Area, so Joveva and Grošelj expect Croatia to do so in line with the highest EU standards.

Croatia is expected to "demonstrate to all EU member states ... it is capable of securing its external borders permanently, effectively and adequately," Joveva told the STA, noting the reports of severe human rights violations related to the police's treatment of migrants.

Nemec furthermore said that the expected entry into the Schengen Area "doesn't exonerate Croatia from the respecting commitments and agreed rules", as Croatia would have to demonstrate that it respected international and European law.

He said that Croatia would sooner rather than later had to deal with the issue of arbitration on the border with Slovenia and that the European Parliament would continue to keep tabs on Croatia in this respect.

Slovenian MEPs from the ranks of the European People's Party (EPP) also noted that, in addition to the benefits, member states of the Schengen Area must not forget about the obligations, including the protection of the external borders.

Ljudmila Novak (EPP/NSi) said on Twitter she believed that "Croatia will responsibly manage the external borders of the EU", adding that "responsibility in these unpredictable times will be especially appreciated."

Zver noted that, as of 1 January, Slovenia would no longer manage an external Schengen border, which would relieve the country of certain obligations.

"It is important that certain security mechanisms have been incorporated in legislation that will make sure Croatia takes all required measures to effectively protect the external Schengen border," he added, noting the increasing migrant pressure.