The European Commission’s plan to spread 40,000 refugees who are currently in Greece and Italy across the EU as a whole would mean 1,740 people coming to the Netherlands, Dutch media say on Tuesday.

The commission is due to publish its plan on Wednesday but given the Netherlands will be asked to take 4.35% of the refugees, this is likely to be the total, news agency ANP reports.

Germany will take most of the boat refugees – or 18.42% of the total.

The commission has already suggested that European countries provide accommodation for 20,000 recognised refugees currently in camps outside the EU. The Netherlands’ contribution would be 732 places, or 3.66%, ANP says.

In a reaction to the proposals on Tuesday, Dutch cabinet ministers told parliament that there are many unanswered questions. In particular, the cabinet wants to know what procedures will be involved for such ‘compulsory placements’ and what the definition of an ’emergency situation’ will be.

‘A clear answer to these questions is important to the cabinet in considering its position,’ the ministers wrote in a briefing.