German Chancellor Angela Merkel questioned the usefulness of the fence which is being built by FYROM on its border with Greece in an interview with German newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung.

“The construction of a fence in FYROM, which is not an EU member, while not caring what emergency situation this will create in Greece does not constitute European behavior, nor does it solve our problem,” she said stressing that she is convinced of the importance of Schengen area and is determined to do whatever it takes to maintain it.

Referring to the debate on Greece, she said: “It is true that Greece has not up to now honored its obligations, but it never said it did not want to participate in guarding the external borders. We want to help Greece to improve this part”.

Asked on the possibility of having a smaller Schengen zone, she noted that would be a step backwards in the European Union history and reiterated that she wants to maintain the Schengen area.