EU's Timmermans: 'Greece has been partcularly hit by the refugee crisis'

“Our government, albeit caretaker is called upon to tackle a very important issue, the wave of migrants, mainly refugee flows. We have already decided on further measures,” Thanou said.

“The issue is European and international. Our government, throughout its term, will continue to work closely with the EU to address the issue,” she added.

On his side, Timmermans noted that Europe is dealing with an unprecedented humanitarian and political crisis to which it needs to find European answers, adding that no member-state can deal with the problem alone.

“Greece has been particularly affected and hit, I would say, from this crisis; we all see it daily. I think there is no man with a soul who has not been terribly shocked by the photos of the baby we saw yesterday on the Turkish coast,” he said.

The EU official also said that too many refugees arrive first in Greece adding that he and Avramopoulos are in Athens to try to find a way to help Greece deal with the problem.

Exiting Maximos Mansion, Avramopoulos said: “The migration and refugee issue has taken uncontrollable dimensions in Europe and Greece, as one of the main gateways, feels this pressure and is called on to take some measures with the full economic, political and technical support of the EU." He added he and Timmermans want to send a message of solidarity and support to the country.

Following the meeting with the caretaker prime minister, Timmermans and Avramopoulos will meet with government ministers, while on Friday the two officials will head to Kos where they will also hold a press conference.