The Netherlands will lose power and influence in Europe unless the new government has a change of heart, according to Marc Peeperkorn in the Volkskrant.

The problem, writes Peeperkorn, is not that the Netherlands is contradictory, but that it almost always wants to move the other way.

In a two-page article, illustrated by a photograph of Europe’s leaders with Rutte staring into space on the far right, Peeperkorn speaks to diplomats and EU officials about the Netherlands and Europe.

His conclusion is bleak. The Netherlands may have had enough of Europe – as shown by the tone of much of the election campaign so far – but Europe has also had enough of the Netherlands.

Poison

The Dutch hatred of Europe has become known as Nedergif – Nether-poison – ‘and we appreciate it even less than Nederwiet’ – cannabis – one official told Peeperkorn. 

‘Brussels is a hub based on services to friends and the Netherlands will soon not have any friends left,’ one EU official said. ‘That means less power, less influence and less influential jobs.’  ‘The Netherlands does not see any solutions in Europe. It is only looking for problems,’ said another.

Anger at Dutch intransigence is reserved for ministers and the prime minister, while Dutch diplomats are praised for their professionalism and willingness to find a compromise, especially by officials from the newer member states, Peeperkorn states.

Dogma

‘Your prime minister plays a destructive role during summits,’ said one EU civil servant. ‘Mark Rutte is bogged down by figures, dogma and potential domestic parliamentary power-plays. Whether the issue is emergency loans to Spain, the EU budget, bank supervision, pension fund regulation, asylum, the Hedwige polder flood plan or removing border controls with Romania and Bulgaria, Rutte’s answer is always ‘no, no, nothing, nothing’.’

One ambassador told the Volkskrant Rutte comes over like a ‘leader with no power, a frightened prime minister.’

‘He is always going on about not being able to go against the wishes of parliament,’ the ambassador continued.  ‘This makes other leaders think he is Geert Wilders’ puppet… Does Rutte really think he is the only leader with elections on the the way. A political leader finds a compromise in Brussels and wins over his parliament. Rutte clearly does not belong to this category.‘

Domestic issues

The Hague‘s belief that Dutch euroscepticism is part of much wider resistance in Europe is not shared by the diplomats and officials quoted in the article.

‘Why does the Netherlands, which has benefitted so much from Europe, continue to turn against it‘ one asked. No-one in Brussels has failed to notice that three of the biggest parties in the opinion polls are either rabidly anti-European (The PVV and SP) or increasingly sceptical (VVD).

Decisions about the EU budget which are due to be taken in December will be a major test for the Netherlands, Peeperkorn writes. German chancellor Angela Merkel is looking for a compromise – a slight rise in the budget – while Rutte is sticking to his budget freeze.

Discount

‘Yet at the same time, Rutte is demanding continuation of the Netherlands‘ one billion euro discount,‘ one diplomat points out. ‘You need to find supporters for that.‘

Merkel, points out another, rarely seeks contact with Rutte, apart from out of politeness, and no-one in The Hague seems to regard this as a problem.

If the Netherlands continues its current course, clashes will be inevitable, another oficial said. ‘This is not a threat, it‘s a fact. Your elections are currently a mitigating factor, but after September 12, they will no longer be an excuse.‘      

Volkskrant article