Crisis talks between prime minister Dick Schoof and the leaders of the four coalition parties are due to continue on Thursday evening following the vote by the PVV, BBB, and NSC not to back the EU’s €800 billion defense plan.

Schoof had given his tacit approval to the plan last week when it was announced by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. But this week, the three parties sided with far-right MP Joost Eerdmans to vote against the plan, placing Schoof and other ministers in a difficult position when it comes to further negotiations.

Thursday’s talks are aimed at ironing out the divisions and finding a way for Schoof to continue negotiating on the Netherlands’ behalf while avoiding further isolation. There is enough support among other EU countries for the package to go ahead, so that is not an issue.

However, RTL correspondent Fons Lambie said the current situation is damaging to Schoof both in the Netherlands and in Europe. “This discussion is about who decides the direction—the prime minister or the coalition party leaders?” he said.

According to broadcaster NOS, Schoof considers the situation to have become untenable.

Schoof is a non-allied prime minister who is supposed to act independently in line with the coalition agreement. However, party leaders—Geert Wilders from the far-right PVV in particular—have continued to use their positions as MPs to voice opposition to government plans.

For example, Wilders has threatened to drop his own prisons minister if she presses ahead with cabinet plans to release some prisoners early due to the shortage of cells. The four coalition parties are also divided on dealing with nitrogen-based pollution, the spring financial statement, and a range of other policy areas.

Meanwhile, Ingrid Thijssen, chairwoman of employers’ association VNO-NCW, said the vote against the defense plan is “completely irresponsible.”

“It is unbelievable,” she told television talk show WNL. “Europe’s security is at stake. We must re-arm.”