eKathimerini — The European Union border control agency Frontex was reinforcing its presence in Greece, a Spiegel Online report said on Tuesday.
According to the report, an increased Frontex presence pointed to the EU preparing the ground for a possible cancellation of the deal signed with Turkey regarding migrants.
About 60 Frontex employees were expected to be deployed at the Greek-Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) in January and February, said the report. Greek analysts estimated that the move was a reaction on behalf of the EU in view of what could be a massive influx of refugees and migrants through the so-called Balkan route in case of the deal collapsing.
According to Spiegel Online, two missions currently in the works: “Operation Focal Point 2017,” was expected to focus on passport controls at the border, while “Flexible Operational Activities 2017” foresaw reinforced border patrols. The agency’s role could also be reinforced at Greece’s border with Albania, the report added.
Frontex did not officially confirm the missions.
