(ANSA) - PORDENONE, SEP 23 - "Pressure on the Western Balkan route has eased, but it is still active, and the situation must be monitored carefully." Croatian Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic made this statement yesterday at the trilateral meeting in Pordenone with Italy and Slovenia, emphasizing the need for "very concrete" cooperation among the three countries, including through the continuation of trilateral patrols, which have yielded "good results," especially in combating traffickers. "There is no immigration without organized networks outside the EU's borders," Bozinovic added, explaining that Croatia, as the country of first entry, is particularly vulnerable, while other member states must deal with secondary movements. "Migrants arriving from Turkey pass through at least two member states—Greece and Bulgaria—before entering the Western Balkans," he noted. Bozinovic also highlighted police activities along the "green border" between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where many migrants attempt to cross while avoiding official border crossings. "It's dangerous, and they often lose their lives trying to enter these areas," he said, highlighting the use of deterrence measures provided for under EU law. "We have arrested 842 smugglers, who are responsible for what happens along the route." On the prevention front, turnbacks have increased by 25% this year, with 33,500 people turned back. Finally, the minister announced that the next—eighth—trilateral meeting will be held in Croatia: "We just need to agree on the location." (ANSA).