The European Union Affairs Committee discusses pact on migration and situation in Ukraine in Madrid

NordenBladet —

Member of the European Union Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Luisa Rõivas said that the most important debate of the COSAC Plenary Meeting would be on Ukraine. She pointed out that encouraging and supporting Ukraine in the process of accession to the EU and in carrying out the reforms necessary for that was a part of the EU’s long-term support to Ukraine.

“The European Commission’s recommendation is to start accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. Estonia can and must use its experience to help Ukraine and Moldova prepare for accession. The prospect of joining the European Union gives these countries hope and motivation to carry out major reforms and fight for the freedom of a country that carries European values,” Rõivas said. She added that it was necessary to support Ukraine in every way and to continue with pressure on Russia by implementing sanctions and tightening them.

In the opinion of member of the Committee Anti Poolamets, the debate on migration and asylum reform is also important. “The European Union has to do more to address migration pressure,” Poolamets underlined. He thinks that it is necessary to update common regulatory framework and to avoid overcrowding asylum centres with migrants who do not need international protection. “In order to increase security, it is necessary to strengthen the external borders of the EU and to check those who cross the border. The European Union also needs to keep a close eye on migration attacks against Finland and Estonia and support them against Russia’s aggressive behaviour,” Poolamets said.

The agenda of the COSAC Plenary Meeting for today includes overview of the achievements of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU, the pact on migration, and a debate on energy crisis and green transition Tomorrow, the COSAC Plenary Meeting will focus on situation in Ukraine and the relations of the country with the European Union, as well as strategic autonomy of the EU and relations with Latin America.

The Plenary Meeting of the Chairpersons of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) takes place in Madrid, Spain, on 26–28 November. The Estonian delegation consists of the members of the European Union Affairs Committee Luisa Rõivas, Kadri Tali, Anti Poolamets, Maido Ruusmann and Katrin Kuusemäe.

COSAC is a cooperation format that brings together the Committees for Union Affairs of the national parliaments of the 27 Member States of the European Union.

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
Phone: +372 631 6592, +372 510 6179
E-mail: merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The European Union Affairs Committee discusses pact on migration and situation in Ukraine in Madrid

Source: Parliament of Estonia