September 21, 2023 – Minister of the Interior Davor Božinović stated that there is an increased number of migrants in Croatia, but he emphasized that the situation is under control and will not allow Croatia to become a hot spot for migrants.
“We’re all following what is happening in Europe, especially these worrying images from Italy. As for Croatia, we are recording a significant increase, some 160 percent compared to last year,” said Božinović in a statement to reporters in Osijek, writes 24Sata.
However, he said that despite the increased pressure, the situation with migrants and asylum seekers in Croatia is under control.
“We approached the process analytically; we make our decisions,” said Božinović, adding that he will not allow “Croatia to become a hot spot for migrants” but will respect all international and national obligations and legal regulations.
He stated that there are no increases in criminal offenses or misdemeanors related to the migrant population in Croatia.
Coordinated and Flexible Approach to Accommodate Migrants in Croatia
He pointed out that the border and migration control system rests on a coordinated and flexible approach and action of the Croatian police and certain new solutions, such as the construction of registration centers near Karlovac.
Last week in Karlovac, Božinović revealed that Croatia is considering how to relieve the police departments where migrants submit requests for international protection by building registration centers.
He also said that migration is a global process, which Croatia understands, but “each process must have its own rules.”
He also commented on the fire in the Mint nightclub in Zagreb, noting that the investigation is ongoing and that he would not speculate about the case.
“A criminal investigation is underway; all the evidence the police need has been seized. “Based on these objects and other work related to police work, an expert report will be carried out in the investigation phase, and then we can talk about where all this will take us,” said Božinović.
