The European Commission spokesperson Natasha Bertaud stated that EU was informed about the meeting to take place in Vienna among the countries of the Western Balkans route, but it was not invited.

Asked by Proto Thema journalist on whether European Commission is aware of the initiative of Austria to organize a meeting with the countries of Western Balkans route and three EU member states (Slovenia, Bulgaria, Croatia) but without inviting Greece, she said that EU was aware of that, but it was not invited to participate.

Mrs. Bertaud stressed that the European Commission is clear that all countries that share the burden of migrants flows must communicate and collaborate with each other. Asked on whether EU would proceed to any action, she answered that there would be none.

Moreover, she acknowledged that the situation is quite difficult at the border of Greece now due to the stricter border controls imposed in the Balkan routes, and stressed that Commission’s priority is to prevent any humanitarian crisis.

Mrs. Bertaud said that the Commission has sent representatives to Greece to investigate what kind of humanitarian needs will be required in the coming days and to inform the Commission about what must be done to avoid a humanitarian crisis.