The Netherlands has always been an active member within the EU.  However, the Dutch have a specific approach to foreign policy within the EU which can be most paralleled with the French approach to the EU.  The two countries are very similar because in the past they have positively benefited from a strong and flourishing EU.  With both countries being founding members, from a historical standpoint they have experience and clout within the organization.  France and The Netherlands have traditionally supported EU policy like the Maastricht Treaty and Schengen Agreement, both encouraging a more integrated and prosperous Europe.   However, The Netherlands is a geographically smaller country naturally limiting the natural resources and population as opposed to larger countries like Germany.  This emphasizes the importance they hold for the EU Council in representing their interest.

However, in the past 20 years, both countries have come to a certain realization that the EU may not be as beneficial today as it was when it was formed.  While France is disheartened with the violent consequences of the immigration crisis, The Netherlands are dissatisfied for their own reasons.  The Dutch have lost a significant amount of faith with the EU council and this is only growing with the new far right party emerging and galvanizing this EU distaste.  The EU council is supposed to promote each countries interest, but according to the Dutch, they see the EU as now a federal body that is trying to expand its power through adding new members and different financial regulations.

The Netherlands has also had a unique relationship to the Brexit movement, and they ae certainly not looking away from the option.  Britain’s precedent to leave the EU was unheard of and previously not seen as an alternative.  However, growing EU distaste spurred on by the Dutch has been on the rise for a variety of reasons.  The EU’s immigration policy has caused quite the stir within the country as anti-Islam sentiment has taken root with the rise of the right wing.  Additionally, The Netherlands had to be a creditor to the countries that suffered economically in the European debt crisis.  This didn’t sit well with the Dutch, who believe strongly in financial security and responsibility.  By taking these factors compounded with the precedent that Britain set, it is not unreasonable to believe that The Netherlands won’t leave the EU.

 

 

Works Cited

  • Glencross, Andrew. The Politics of European Integration: Political Union or a House Divided?Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 2014.
  • Kortweg, Kem. “How the Dutch Fell Out of Love With the EU.” Carnegie Europe. March 2, 2017. Accessed October 26, 2018.
  • Chopin, Thierry. “European Issues and Interviews.” Emmanuel Macron, France and Europe “France Is Back in Europe”: On Which Terms ?[1]. May 18, 2018. Accessed October 26, 2018.