(ANSA) - TRIESTE, JUN 20 - A symbolic protest "against the militarisation of borders by the Meloni government and for the restoration of the Schengen Agreement" was organised today by the SI Circle of Benečija and Cividale at the Stupizza/Robič border crossing. Carrying flags and signs, a group of demonstrators gathered to call for "open borders" between Italy and Slovenia. Among those supporting the protest were: AVS FVG, ANPI, ARCI, PD FVG, CGIL FVG, M5S FVG, Patto per l'Autonomia, SKGZ, ICS, Open FVG and DASI network. According to the manifesto of the protest, "checks at the main border crossings, starting with Stupizza, are pure political propaganda". Furthermore, "to keep the bureaucratic machinery of these checks running", "tens of thousands of euros a day of taxpayers' money are being spent: more than 20 million since 2023. These are significant resources that could be put to real use in the local area". "The free movement of people and workers is one of the EU's fundamental pillars. Twenty-two years after Slovenia joined the EU, the Schengen Area represents a historic achievement for those living along the border. And we want to defend it," the organizers noted. (ANSA).