Belgium: Denmark faces EP grilling over plan to seize refugees' valuables

The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs of the European Parliament held a plenary session in Brussels, Monday, to discuss the Danish government's controversial bill that would allow asylum seekers' assets to be seized to pay for their accommodation. The session was attended by Danish Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen and Danish Minister for Immigration, Integration and Housing Inger Stojberg.
During the session, Jensen defended the Danish government's approach to the refugee crisis. "Denmark is and has always been a champion of European values and human rights. We have actively been seeking European solutions to refugee and migration crisis," he stated, adding that "we have given an extra contribution of €100 million last year to support the approach to stop migration. From 2010 to 2015 we have given a total of €1,5 billion in humanitarian aid. The budget for next year is €245 million in humanitarian aid from Denmark that is the highest level ever."
Discussing the controversial bill, Stojberg said: "Many asylum seekers only bring very few items and a little bit of cash. They will be allowed to hold on on that of course. We also think that it is fair and reasonable that those asylum seekers who do bring enough assets with them should cover the costs of their food and lodging during the asylum process themselves. I would like to go to the new proposal."
The new bill would allow refugees to keep hold of items with a sentimental value. When asked how Denmark would define sentimental value, Stojberg stated that the process would be based on "the own explanation of the asylum seeker," adding that "if you say that this clock or, a watch or, a ring has a sentimental value, that is what we base ourselves on."