The European Commission decided to allocate 700 million euros in financial aid for addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by dozens of thousands of migrants stranded in Greece.
The EC proposal will switch 300 million euros this year from its 155-billion- euro annual budget to the new Emergency Assistance scheme, 200 million in 2017 and another 200 million in 2018.
Officials note that the program will not divert funds from its 1.1-billion-euro annual budget devoted to helping the world’s poorest. They also stress that relieving the suffering of refugees closer to their homes is a key part of the Union’s strategy to discourage people from making dangerous journeys to Europe.
Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Christos Stylianides told a news conference that the funds were needed to cope inside the EU: “The number of refugees continues to rise, so do their humanitarian needs. All of this is happening inside Europe. This assistance will be immediately available.”
Greece has complained about funding for handling the humanitarian crisis caused by the migrant influx. Now the country will benefit from this plan. The funds will be in addition to those from the United Nations and other charity organizations operating in Greece.
The funds will be spent on lodging, tents, food, medical supplies and other basic services.
The provision of funds that can be spent in conjunction with the United Nations and private charities working in Greece and other EU states is intended to ensure aid reaches people in need fast and in adequate quantities. The funds can be spent on tents and other shelter, food, medical aid and other basic services.
The new program is intended for member states that are “overwhelmed” by emergency situations such as epidemics or militant attacks. If approved by the European Parliament, it will be permanent in the EU budget.
The funds would also be available to other EU countries along the Balkans migration route — the main track used by refugees and migrants arriving in Europe from Turkey via Greece and then heading to northern EU states.
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