Some 63% of people in the Netherlands want the government to focus more on domestic problems rather international issues, a survey by socio-cultural think-tank SCP has shown.

Nevertheless, just 10% said they are in favour of leaving the European Union. “There is a broad understanding that the Netherlands with its open economy and small defense capability should work together with other countries,” the SCP said.

Most people, however, would like a better balance between European rules and national needs. EU nitrogen reduction rules, for example, are seen as stifling farmers and stopping new houses from being built.

Earlier surveys from 2011 and 2018 showed much the same results.

“The general feeling is that successive cabinets have not been able to get on top of the child benefits scandal or the housing shortage while a decision to send millions of euros to Ukraine can be sorted in a day, so to speak,” researcher Josje den Ridder told broadcaster NOS.

The cabinet, which includes the eurosceptic PVV and pro-farming BBB, is struggling to accommodate its voters, Den Ridder said.

“You have just to look at [BBB leader] Caroline van der Plas who said that the Netherlands must be more forthright in Brussels when it comes to farming but had to eat her words,” Den Ridder said.

“Like many, she would like more room to decide but realistically that is not an option. Many people will identify with that struggle,” she said.

The big change on 2011 is attitudes to national safety. This year, almost seven in 10 people said the Netherlands must contribute equally to the European defense budget while in the past a majority favoured cutbacks.