The common procedure streamlines the time limits for an individual to accede to the procedure and for the examination of the application by the determining authority. Since a disproportionate number of applications made within the same period of time may risk delaying access to the procedure and the examination of the applications, a measure of flexibility to exceptionally extend those time limits may at times be needed. However, to ensure an effective process, extending those time limits should be a measure of last resort considering that Member States should regularly review their needs to maintain an efficient asylum system, including by preparing contingency plans where necessary, and considering that the Asylum Agency should provide Member States with the necessary operational and technical assistance. Where Member States foresee that they would not be able to meet the set time limits, they should request assistance from the Asylum Agency. Where no such request is made, and because of the disproportionate pressure the asylum system in a Member State becomes ineffective for the functioning of the CEASCommon European Asylum System, the Asylum Agency should be able, on the basis of a Council implementing act following a proposal by the Commission, to take measures in support of that Member State.