The Dutch government has formally requested an “opt-out” clause from the European Union's pro-mass immigration policies, a dramatic turnaround for one of the EU's founding members.
Minister for Refugees and Migration Marjoline Faber wrote to the European Commission on Wednesday calling for the Netherlands to be given the power to set its own immigration and refugee policy, thereby “opting out” of Brussels' dictates.
“This government aims to significantly reduce the amount of immigration to the Netherlands in order to continue its constitutional obligation to provide public housing, health care and education,” Faber wrote in the letter. According to To Euronews.
“With this letter, we inform you that in order to ensure that the Netherlands can achieve this objective, the Dutch government will seek to withdraw from the European Agreement on Asylum and Migration when the treaty is revised.”
The request fulfills an election promise made by Geert Wilders, leader of the populist Party for Freedom (PVV), which won a landslide victory in the last election and is now the main power in the Dutch government.
Wilders has pledged to introduce the “toughest” refugee policy in the country's history to tackle the mass immigration problem, which the government blames for exacerbating problems facing Dutch people in areas such as health, housing and education.
Wilders commented on the transfer on Wednesday. Declared “Faber has made history,” he wrote on social media, expressing his hope for immigration restrictions in the Netherlands.
In addition to demanding an opt-out clause from Brussels' immigration policies, the Netherlands plans to unilaterally increase funding for border security from €45 million in 2025 to €151 million by 2029.
Populist-led governments alsoStringent conditionsThe “immigration law” on family reunification, also known as chain migration, comes into force. From now on, only direct nuclear family members will be allowed to immigrate, and applications will be accepted only from those who have lived in the country for more than two years, have a permanent private residence, and meet certain income criteria.
While Faber's letter to the EU marks a historic moment and reflects a widespread desire among Europeans to regain control over their borders, it is unclear how feasible it will be for The Hague to secure an “opt-out” clause.
Indeed, for the Netherlands to regain control over its migration policy, as even Faber acknowledges, it would have to be part of a new EU-level treaty, a difficult and lengthy process, the last of which was passed in 2009.
“No changes to the treaty are planned,” a European Commission spokesman said, adding: “We do not foresee any immediate changes to EU asylum and migration rules, which remain binding in the Netherlands.”
Even if the proposed treaty is submitted, it is unclear whether the Dutch government would be able to overcome opposition from Brussels and other capitals, as excluding the Netherlands would likely lead to increased immigration into other member states.
Thus, says Dutch political commentator Eva Vlaardingerbroek: Claimed On Wednesday, he said the government should pursue a “nexit” exit, like Britain did when it left the EU, calling it “the only real way to regain sovereignty”. PVV leader Geert Wilders has previously supported the Netherlands leaving the EU, but Managed His position during the attempt to form a coalition government earlier this year.
