Croatia’s border security efforts draw praise

(Photo: MUP)

ZAGREB, 18 June 2025 (Hina) – Croatia has been praised as a key and effective partner in securing the European Union’s external borders, according to Europol’s Executive Director Catherine De Bolle.

Speaking during the Salzburg Forum held in Zagreb this week, De Bolle highlighted Croatia’s essential role in combating illegal migration and organised crime.

“Croatia is one of the top three EU member states providing the most operational information to Europol’s Migrant Smuggling Centre,” said De Bolle, expressing satisfaction with the level of cooperation.

“We are very pleased with the daily exchange of information with the Croatian police, the sharing of expertise, and investments in personnel and technology — all of which contribute to making not only Croatia but the entire European Union safer,” she added.

Focus on the Western Balkans

De Bolle emphasised that the Western Balkan route remains one of Europol’s top priorities, as it continues to be a key transit corridor for migrant smuggling from the Middle East, Asia, and parts of Africa into the EU.

The Europol chief also underscored the value of the Salzburg Forum — a regional security initiative comprising Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia — saying these countries have a deeper understanding of Western Balkan dynamics than other EU members.

“This forum is very important to Europol because your regional insights help us improve cooperation and strategic planning,” she noted.

Croatia’s Role on the Frontline

Croatian Minister of the Interior Davor Božinović echoed De Bolle’s sentiments, highlighting the growing complexity of organised crime and the need for cross-border cooperation.

As a country on the external Schengen border, Croatia has a vested interest in close collaboration with Europol, said Božinović.

He also spotlighted the work of the operational task force Zebra, led jointly by Croatia and Slovenia. The group includes 11 EU member states and has so far identified more than 60 smuggling networks and eight high-value targets.

(Photo: MUP)

Cooperation also extends beyond the EU, with supporting countries such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Moldova taking part in joint initiatives around the Salzburg Forum.

Major Results in Crime Fighting

Božinović praised successful joint operations, including Adriatica, which began in Croatia and led to the seizure of eight tonnes of cocaine and more than €60 million in cash and assets.

Environmental crime has also emerged as a key topic. The minister shared details of a recent Croatian operation that exposed a network responsible for the illegal disposal of over 35,000 tonnes of waste. Fifteen individuals were arrested in the operation.

“This shows just how profitable and sophisticated environmental crime has become as a form of organised criminal activity,” Božinović stated.

Croatia holds the presidency of the Salzburg Forum until the end of June, after which the Czech Republic will take over.