General Affairs Council, 15/03/2016, 15 March 2016

Main results

Emergency support for Greece

The Council 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 translates into practice a commitment of the European Council. It enables the EU to provide a timely and effective response to the very difficult situation that is rapidly developing on the ground. As irregular flows of migrants along the Western Balkans route have come to an end, more than 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. Bert Koenders, the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands 

The help provided under the new instrument is needs-based and aimed at preserving life, preventing human suffering and maintaining human dignity. It includes food, shelter, water, medicine and other basic necessities. It is being delivered by the Commission or by partner organisations selected by the Commission in close cooperation with the Greek authorities.

• Finding solutions to migratory pressures (background information)

Preparation of the March European Council

The Council prepared the next European Council by examining draft conclusions. EU leaders will meet in Brussels on 17 and 18 March 2016 to discuss further steps to address the migration crisis and priorities for the 2016 European semester. 

• European Council, 17-18 March 2016

Better law-making agreement

The Council adopted the interinstitutional agreement on better law-making. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between the Council, the Parliament and the Commission to improve the way the EU legislate and ensure that EU laws better serve citizens and businesses.

"This agreement is not just about how the EU institutions operate, it will actually deliver very real benefits for citizens and companies. Laws will become simpler to understand and implement. That will make the life of citizens, businesses and the administration easier," said Bert Koenders.

• Better law-making agreement