Press Release: Refugee crisis: the Council sets up emergency support

On 15 March 2016 the Council of the European Union adopted a regulation setting up an EU emergency support mechanism to help Greece and other member states overwhelmed by the arrival of large numbers of refugees. This followed the political agreement reached by the Council's Permanent Representatives Committee on 9 March 2016. The new regulation translated into practice a commitment of the European Council. It enabled the EU to provide an immediate and effective response to the very difficult situation that was rapidly developing on the ground.

On 16 March 2016, the Council agreed to the use of funds, making available of €100 million in commitments and €80.2 million in payments from the 2016 EU budget.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: Refugee crisis: Council shows solidarity with Greece by approving emergency support http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-refugee-crisis-council-shows-solidarity-with-greece-by-approving-emergency-support/

ESO: Background information: Meeting: General Affairs Council, 15 March 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/general-affairs-council-15-march-2016/

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 16.03.16: Emergency support for refugee crisis: Council approves financing http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2016/03/16-emergency-support-refugee-crisis/

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