The Netherlands to take 4% of refugees under Brussels plans
The European Commission’s plan to spread refugees throughout the community if too many arrive in one particular country would require the Netherlands to accept 4.35% of them, broadcaster Nos says on Wednesday.
The quota system to deal with refugees already in the EU is based on the size of the local population, GDP and current refugee numbers. The plans have been drawn up to cope with the influx of boat refugees in Mediterranean countries, particularly Italy, Malta and Greece.
The proposal was announced by Commission deputy chairman Frans Timmermans in Brussels. European foreign affairs ministers are due to discuss the proposals on Monday ahead of a summit in June.
Under the proposals, Germany would take the largest percentage – 18.4% – followed by France, Italy and Spain.
The Commission also wants to reserve 20,000 emergency places for people in acute need, such as victims of the civil war in Syria.
The Netherlands has also been asked to take responsibility for 3.66% of those refugees, which is equivalent to 732 people. Brussels has set aside €50m to pay for the project.
Dutch ministers have yet to comment on the plans.
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