At the extraordinary governmental press conference yesterday, Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas underlined that Estonia should not be a small nation reticent, ratty, and only interested in EU money. Rather, said Mr Rõivas, Estonia needs to show European solidarity regarding refugee issues and participate according to its ability in the relocation of a total of 60,000 refugees – of 40,000 already in Europe and 20,000 to arrive from crisis areas.
As assured by Mr Rõivas (Reform) and social protection minister Margus Tsahkna (IRL), the agreement at last week’s EU summit was victory for Estonia as instead of quotas each member state may receive refugees as it is able. Pursuant to the system planned, about 200 refugees will arrive in Estonia within two years.
On top of that, said Mr Rõivas, EU also helps refugees from crisis areas outside of its own borders. «The 20,000 refugees whom we will receive from outside the European Union is a small number for the union, and in addition to that investments are being made into refugee camps. Surely, European Union is a major donor in supporting refugee camps,» continued the prime minister as he listed activities whereby it is attempted to reduce the need to come to EU.
All still obliged
The prime minister rests assured the member states will succeed in splitting up the 60,000 refugees voluntarily and none will be left over. «The task of convincing member states is a task for the president. I am fully convinced a prudent way will be found how to negotiate. I know of no state who would want to be excluded from solving the problem,» related Mr Rõivas.
As also emphasised by defence minister Sven Mikser (Soc Dems): in a situation like this, no member state ought to refuse receiving refugees. «The voluntary aspect will not mean members may wipe their hands clean from obligations,» he said.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Rõivas refuted claims about mass immigration of aliens. «Regarding the refugee topic, I would like to emphasise that all talk of mass immigration is ridiculous. In reality, in times to come we will not even have a refugee per every local government, so the local governments must not worry about being ready,» explained Mr Rõivas.
When will the initial refugees arrive in Estonia? Prime minister said this will be specified during July.
The prime minister proceeded to call the nation to take a warmer approach towards the asylum seekers placed in the village of Vao. «Please take into account that, among the others, these include 25 war refugees from Ukraine, as well as 18 women and also children. Thus, people must carefully consider before trying to somehow demonstrate their power regarding them,» lectured Mr Rõivas.
Two years to acclimatise
According to refugee topic experts, the people are integrated into society during two years. For that period, a refugee has a support person who helps him acclimatise and find a job. Also, they will clarify educational needs of the children that arrive and deal with teaching them the language.
For rapid integration of the refugees, they will not be placed in one region but their residence will be determined according to labour market needs and availability of public services.
As assessed by Prime Minister, refugees will not deepen integration problems in Estonia. «Pursuant to the agreement, less than a hundred people will come to Estonia in a year. That is maximally a couple of percent of the sum total of people arriving in the country every year. This is not a level beyond our ability – we are not a state so feeble as to be unable to offer jobs and language classes for such a small amount of needy people,» said Mr Rõivas.
The refugees currently come to Estonia are mainly from Russia and Ukraine. Of the 600 asylum applications filed to Estonia over the past 18 years, 114 have been Okayed. As a rule, reviewing an application takes three-four months.