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“The refugee crisis is an unprecedented phenomenon, which poses a serious threat to the unity of the European Union. Although the scale of the migration crisis is enormous, and it has overwhelmed the EU’s agenda, we must not forget about other challenges Europe is currently facing. Europe has demonstrated its ability to overcome various difficulties and rely on the common values and close cooperation in solving the crisis,” said Lolita Čigāne, Chairperson of the European Affairs Committee of the Saeima on Friday, 13 November.

On Friday, the European Affairs Committee of the Saeima hosted a joint meeting with the European Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (the parliament of Estonia). MPs, members of the European Affairs Committees of both countries, discussed the recent developments in the migration area. MPs of both parliaments exchanged current information on the parliamentary debate regarding the European refugee crisis. They also addressed challenges and pressure on unity within member states and throughout the European Union resulting from the growing migrant crisis.

Participants of the joint committee meeting in the Saeima stressed that the migrant crisis has ignited heated debate in Latvia and Estonia. Therefore, it is important to exchange views and find the most fitting solutions to the problem.

MPs agreed on the importance of tackling the causes of migration and the need to introduce effective procedures for separating asylum seekers who are seeking international protection from economic migrants who have fled their countries in search of a better life.

Kalle Palling, the Chair of the Riigikogu European Affairs Committee, described the debate in the Estonian parliament and stressed the need to address the issue in a pragmatic and solidary manner.

Mr.Palling underlined that the debate in Estonia leans towards the need to help the region affected by the conflict and solidarity in handling the refugees that have already made their way into Europe. Chair of the Riigikogu European Affairs Committee also mentioned that Estonia has agreed to admit 573 asylum seekers in the next two years.

Latvia has agreed to admit 776 asylum seekers who will be resettled according to the European migration crisis action plan proposed by the European Commission.

Assoc.Prof. Daunis Auers from the University of Latvia gave an expert presentation on current developments in migration area and political challenges Baltic countries and the EU as a whole face as a result of the refugee crisis.

Photos from the meeting
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Saeima Press Service