Setback for opponents of EU migrant distribution plan
The Riigikogu’s Constitutional Committee on Monday rejected two draft resolutions, one of which called for a referendum to set a maximum limit to the number of people to be granted international protection in Estonia, and the other calling for a referendum on Estonia’s participation in the EU’s migrant distribution plan.
“The Riigikogu’s European Union Affairs Committee approved the relocation of 550 people with international protection to Estonia under the European migrant distribution plan. As of today, 47 war refugees have arrived in Estonia, while the total number of people who have been granted international protection in Estonia in the past 15 years is 318,” chairman of the Constitutional Committee, Kalle Laanet (Center), was quoted by spokespeople as saying.
“Taking into account the small number of people that have arrived in Estonia, there is at present no need to set a maximum limit in connection with the people being granted international protection, or change the current position regarding relocation,” Laanet said. “If the situation changes, the parliament can always change the state’s refugee policy, and there is no need for a referendum,” he added.
The first draft resolution had been initiated by the Center Party, the second by the Estonian Conservative People's Party (EKRE).
Editor: Editor: Dario Cavegn
Source: BNS