The European Council has announced that it has adopted the regulation for the creation of an emergency support mechanism, in order to assist Greece and other member-states under pressure from the refugee influx.
In its statement the EC notes that “irregular flows of migrants along the Western Balkans route have come to an end” and estimates that about 35,000 refugees are currently in Greece.
“This Council decision shows that the EU stands by Greece at this difficult time. The Netherlands presidency will do all it can to ensure that the necessary EU funds are mobilised as quickly as possible”, said Bert Koenders, Dutch foreign minister and Council president.
The European Commission estimates that the refugee effort will require 300 million euros this year and an additional 200 million euros each in 2017 and 2018.
The help that will be provided under the new mechanism includes food, shelter, water, medicine and other basic necessities. It will be delivered by the Commission itself or by partner organizations selected in cooperation with Greek authorities.
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