Border checks at internal EU crossings are inefficient and their introduction by countries neighbouring Slovakia a mistake, thinks acting chief of Slovak diplomacy Rastislav Kacer. He pointed out that the existence of the Schengen zone is a great benefit and the introduction of such checks by Slovakia would, paradoxically, only increase the number of illegal migrants. "We don't really get the introduction of checks and think it's a mistake. We're conveying this to our partners rather openly. The checks are quite mild, those who cross the borders know that the green border is left unguarded, it's more of a symbolic political exercise aimed to boost political popularity. I don't agree with this and don't think it's really efficient, but we respect it," Kacer told TASR.
The minister doesn't expect the checks introduced by the Czech Republic and Austria to last for much longer. "It's necessary to guard the external borders. Schengen is an enormous benefit, the purpose of which is the open EU, that's what we have it for. Closing our borders would not only fail to decrease the number of migrants, but paradoxically increase it, because we would need to keep on our soil all those apprehended here as well as those wishing to head someplace else," he said, adding that the EU needs to make more intensive use of Frontex to guard its external borders and cooperate with countries that are the source of migration.
Temporary Interior Minister Roman Mikulec (OLaNO) has adopted a right course of action regarding migration, with Kacer finding criticism against him unsubstantiated. "Roman Mikulec might be criticised for various things, but certainly not for migration. That's akin to criticising him for the tide and ebb in Patagonia, it's of similar relevance," said Kacer. He also pointed out that the only external EU border Slovakia has is the one with Ukraine. "And there's absolutely no uncontrolled or illegal migration there, so Mikulec is carrying out his duties." (TASR)
