No provision for Greece's expulsion from Schengen zone: EU commissioner

There is no provision for Greece's expulsion from the Schengen passport-free travel zone, European commissioner for migration Dimitris Avramopoulos told Greek national news agency AMNA on Friday.

The statement was made in Athens a few hours after Greece was formally given a three-month deadline to strengthen its border controls in order to tackle the refugee crisis that is testing the country and the European Union.

"Instead of focusing on scaremongering, we can see the positive steps which have been referenced in the recent Commission announcements. There is a clear acceleration on the side of the Greek government and the European Union will provide all possible support to address the weaknesses associated with the migratory pressure," he said.

"We are all working for the same purpose: to restore the proper and full functioning of the Schengen area and to safeguard freedom of movement," he stressed.

Greece has been criticized by other member states and neighboring countries in recent months of failing to effectively guard its borders to stem the flow of refugees into Europe.

Earlier on Friday, the EU Council adopted the recommendations of the European Commission regarding the weaknesses in the guarding of the EU's external borders.

Greece has a three-month deadline to implement the recommendations of the European Commission to remedy "deficiencies" in controlling the influx of migrants.

"The action recommended covers areas such as registration procedures, sea border surveillance, border check procedures, risk analyses, human resources and training, infrastructure and equipment and international cooperation," according to the EU Council press release.

Should Greece fail to remedy the problems on time, other member states could be given the green light to exceptionally extend border controls within the EU's Schengen zone for up to two years. Endit