Ministers Poklukar and Grande-Marlaska Gómez confirmed the good cooperation between Slovenia and Spain in the field of home affairs. The two countries face common challenges that require a quick and joint response – a response that will continue to provide security and stability for their citizens.

"The Schengen area, and with it the free movement of people, goods and services, is certainly one of the EU's greatest assets, and we must strive to preserve it and ensure that it functions effectively," said Minister Poklukar at the meeting. "Although, like neighbouring Italy, we have been forced to make the difficult decision to reintroduce temporary controls at our internal borders with Hungary and Croatia due to the increased terrorist threat in the European Union and the rise of organised crime in the Western Balkans region, we remain strong supporters of the Schengen area and thus strongly committed to lifting the measure as soon as the situation permits," Minister Poklukar said. Since the reintroduction of controls at the end of October 2023, Slovenia has significantly stepped up its operational police cooperation and political talks with all neighbouring countries.

In December 2023, after years of effort (and also thanks to the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU), progress was made towards a common migration and asylum policy. "The Pact on Migration and Asylum provides a solid foundation for integrated migration management. However, in order for the agreed rules to be effective, a coordinated implementation is crucial," said Minister Poklukar. Migrant smuggling and related crime are closely linked to irregular migration. Slovenia is dealing with criminal groups involved in migrant smuggling, particularly in the Western Balkans region. "The crimes we investigate have an international dimension and require extensive cross-border cooperation," said Minister Poklukar.

Collaboration between the Slovenian and Spanish police has been exceptionally smooth, especially in tackling illicit drug activities, carrying out joint operations of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (a secondment of two Slovenian officers to Spain is planned for this year), and ensuring security at sporting events, reflecting a commendable spirit of international police cooperation. As Minister Poklukar said in Madrid, the Spanish police have one of the best systems for dealing with domestic violence, which incorporates the use of electronic surveillance for monitoring the most serious offenders. At the meeting, the minister therefore proposed a closer cooperation of the two police forces in this field and a working meeting on the topic.