The EU Council announced on Tuesday that it has adopted a regulation for creating an EU emergency support mechanism that will help Greece and other member states which are under pressure from large numbers of refugees arriving in their territory.

The Council in a statement noted that as undocumented migrant flows along the Western Balkans Corridor have come to an end, approximately 35,000 refugees are currently in Greece. It is also noted that with today’s decision, the EU is given the possibility to provide immediate and effective support to the very difficult situation.

“This decision of the Council shows that the EU stands by Greece in this difficult time. The Dutch presidency will do its best to ensure that the necessary EU funds will be disbursed as soon as possible,” said Bert Koenders, Dutch Foreign Minister and President of the Council.

The assistance provided under the new emergency assistance includes food, shelter, water, medicine and other necessities for the refugees.