Editorial: 1,064 bookings to Estonia

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Yesterday, European Commission disclosed its proposal to member states regarding reception of 40,000 refugees, over two years, currently in Italy and Greece from Syria and Eritrea. For Estonia, that would spell 738.

To the above, add UN-status refugees currently outside of EU as also on offer by the commission. Of these, Estonia’s lot would be 326. Adding it up, we would have 1,064 arriving in Estonia.

As assessed yesterday by government ministers as well as opposition, placing over 1,000 refugees in Estonia, near-term, isn’t realistic. As affirmed by interior minister Hanno Pevkur, the proposal is out of proportion in view of Estonia’s share of EU population and economy; at the moment, Estonia is in no readiness to receive such a host of people. 

Obviously, Estonia had not been preparing for an amount of refugees like this. We are missing the places and the services to be offered has not been sufficiently arranged (though to a degree this could be done by third sector).

Meanwhile, the flood of refugees engulfing Southern Europe is obviously quite a challenge and Estonia may not stand idly by. As we are able, we must help. Doubtless, we’ll have to accept some and we will manage it. Whatever the number ends up to be depends on discussions between Estonia and the commission.

Showing solidarity towards a reasonable amount of refugees allotted is right and needed. Ourselves, we have expected and indeed received like solidarity from others. For instance, lots of European nations have provided input into Estonian air policing. Should we need help with an inflow if refugees over Eastern border, caused perhaps by something bad happening in Russia, we’d also expect not to be left standing alone with a humanitarian catastrophe on our hands.  

At that, Estonia’s smallness and actual ability needs to be considered. Long-term, not in Brussels’ interests either to load Estonia with a task that would anger local population and amplify fears regarding refugees themselves. As mostly the case in Europe, the actual solution will be such as all parties can agree with and live with.

Good to know that the financial side of relocation of refugees will come with proper backing out of EU budget, like the €6,000 per every person currently in Italy and Greece. Thus, not for members states alone to cover the costs.

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