Estonia's government supports only voluntary reception of refugees

09.06.2015 | 17:19

News

Stenbock House, 9 June 2015 – Estonian government has developed a position towards the EU action plan on migration, according to which Estonia is prepared to voluntarily receive a limited number of refugees that would correspond to the proportion of the Estonian population and economy of that of the European Union.

 

The government members are of the view that Estonia cannot remain a mere spectator to the Mediterranean migration crisis; we also have to voluntarily contribute to mitigating the consequences of the crisis and assisting those countries that are under pressure from migration.

 

The government is of the view that the proportion of the Estonian population (0.26% of that of the EU) and economy (0.14% of that of the EU) in the European Union, as well as the willingness of the refugees to relocate to Estonia, have to be taken into account when considering the voluntary reception of refugees.

 

The government maintains its view that Estonia cannot agree with the obligatory quotas proposed by the European Commission.

 

The government also remains committed to assisting the Member States under migration pressure at those hotspots and dealing with the roots of the problem, such as the Frontex operations.

 

It is possible to cover the cost of accommodation, meals, adjustment and integration services to a large extent from the funds of the European Union; the European Commission will allocate 6,000 euro support per refugee to the Member States, and it is also possible to use the external funds already allocated to Estonia. The costs to be borne by Estonia are still to be specified.

 

According to the proposal made on 13 May by the European Commission, Estonia should receive a total of 1,064 refugees under the resettlement (1.63%, i.e. 326 people) and relocation (1.85%, i.e. 738 people) programmes.

 

Estonia’s views on the EU mechanisms of resettlement and relocation will be confirmed by the Riigikogu on 12 June prior to the meeting of the Ministers of Justice and Internal Affairs on 16 June. On 25 June, there will be a European Council meeting where the countries will voice their positions regarding the proposal of the Commission.

Government Communication Unit

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