Estonian opposition criticises state migration policy
Estonian opposition politicians, reacting to the migration crisis in Spain, argue that national security must come before freedom of movement. The prime minister supports controlled migration but rejects new internal borders in Schengen.
The migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta has put border protection back at the top of the European agenda. Madrid says the main migrant flow has been stopped and most have returned to Morocco, but EU member states remain divided: some call for a stricter line, others want to focus on helping Spain guard the bloc's external border.
Estonian politicians are also split. Prime Minister Kristen Michal says Estonia backs controlled migration but cannot accept mass illegal migration. He adds that creating new internal borders in the Schengen area would not be in Estonia's interest.
Opposition leaders disagree. Isamaa chair Urmas Reinsalu says EU countries must be ready to defend the Schengen external border. In his view, illegal entry into Europe should not give any right to stay — this is both a legal principle and a moral signal, especially to those who profit from illegal migration or hope to legalise their status by breaking the law. He calls for a more effective and consistent EU migration policy and for demonstrating that states will use all necessary measures to protect the external border.
Centre Party leader Mihhail Kõlvart argues that temporary border checks do not restrict movement for EU citizens; people would simply need to show documents. He also believes Italy was right to temporarily limit the Schengen agreement because the risks of uncontrolled migration outweigh free movement. Every state has the right to protect its interests and borders, he says, and in a crisis each country should act accordingly.
Migration expert Kert Valdaru says the current crisis has again exposed weaknesses in EU migration policy. More than a decade after the previous migration crisis, the EU still cannot effectively protect its external borders, and European security depends heavily on North African countries, in this case Morocco. He adds that such migration attacks are intended to split European societies, and divisions between countries and growing polarisation are already visible.
An extraordinary meeting of EU interior ministers is expected soon, with the migration crisis as one of the main topics.
