Slovenian border shops hindered by checkpoint works

Nicole Mezzasalma

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Kompas MTS claims the dismantling of checkpoints in preparation for Slovenia’s entrance into the Schengen zone are blocking its shops

Slovenian border shop operator Kompas MTS has reported that access to its shops has been almost completely blocked by works to dismantle checkpoints earmarked to be eliminated as the country prepares to join the Schengen zone on December 21. The company claims that access paths to its shops have been bulldozed during the removal of the checkpoints on the Slovenian borders with Italy and Austria.

The statement also said that Slovenian authorities informed Kompas of the works only at the beginning of the month and that the plans for new access plans are not yet complete. It added that the state’s actions were damaging not only to the company but also to the country as its border stores generated €18.5m ($27.2m) in annual revenues, including €9.7m ($14.2m) in excise duties.