European Commission Spokesperson Natasha Bertaud says that there is no discussion concerning Greece leaving the Schengen Zone. Her views echo those of European Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos in charge of migration matters who denied reports of Greece’s expulsion during a meeting with reporters at the informal EU justice, interior and migration ministers at the Scheepsvaartmuseum (Maritime Museum) in Amsterdam.

Nonetheless, speculation has yet to be quelled as a number of matters remain open. Firstly, there needs to be migration control and terrorism prevention. Secondly, there needs to be an increase in cooperation between member states concerning data on migrants entering the European Union – especially those entering through Greece. Thirdly, there may need to be an extension to the time required for border checks – possibly of up to two years in duration.

Discussion on these key issues will take place during the EU leaders summit on February 18. In an effort to better co-ordinate information exchange, an 8-membered meeting between Germany, Austria, Serbia, FYROM, Slovenia, Greece with the rotating Dutch EU presidency and the European Commission was organized.