Yesterday, the Czech Republic declared an extension of temporary border controls with Slovakia until February 2nd, aiming to combat irregular migration and smuggling. Interior Minister Vit Rakusan affirmed this decision following a government meeting in Prague. Despite both nations being part of the Schengen zone, where passport-free travel is the norm, these checks persist.

Rakushan reported that over 680,000 individuals underwent checks since their initiation in early October. Among these, over 1,100 people were refused entry at the border, while 120 were returned to Slovakia under the readmission agreement. Additionally, 58 individuals have been detained due to suspected smuggling activities.

Conversely, Slovakia plans a gradual easing of its border checks with Hungary, originally extended until January 22nd. Minister Matus Šutaj-Eštok mentioned in a recent TV interview that the current situation is relatively stable, hinting at a probable discontinuation of the extension. However, he anticipates challenges to resurface in the spring, potentially leading to a reimplementation of border checks in Slovakia.