Slovakia is due to again undergo a Schengen assessment starting in February 2012 and the Interior Ministry has prepared a Schengen action plan that was approved by the government on November 30, the TASR newswire reported.
According to the plan there is a need to complete the system of technical and physical protection of Slovakia's – and the EU's – external border with Ukraine. The Schengen assessment will review Slovakia's readiness to carry out inspections at its external borders during crisis situations caused by natural disasters, epidemics or an extensive wave of migration, TSAR wrote.
Slovakia is planning to establish its own system of air support for the external Schengen border aimed against illegal immigration and human trafficking through the purchase of two helicopters with equipment enabling both daytime and night-time surveillance. A specialised body for monitoring illegal imports, exports and transport of drugs and other illegal substances also will be set up at the Kosice airport.
Slovakia became a member of the Schengen zone in December 2007. Since its accession to the EU, Slovakia has spent around €100 million on meeting Schengen-related obligations. The Interior Ministry needs almost €3.35 million for the implementation of measures designed for the 2013-14 period, TASR reported.
Source: TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
1. Dec 2011 at 14:00
