Nearly 2.3 million euros was invested in the construction of the 118-metre-long bridge that connects the Croatian municipality with the Slovene municipality of Hotiza. The two municipalities had up until now been connected by ferry service.
Last week Slovenia protested against the opening of the bridge, saying that it would change the situation on the border as had existed at the time the two countries gained independence 15 years ago. It said that the bridge would increase the risk of flooding in Hotiza and that it was built without the consent or cooperation of the Slovene government.
The Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration then dismissed the Slovene accusations, saying that it was beyond dispute the bridge was situated in Croatian territory and that the construction work had been done in consultation with all relevant Slovene authorities in accordance with the Agreement on Border Traffic and Cooperation.