CBS: Dutch reject further EU Integration

Popular support for the European Union has plummeted in the Netherlands since the early 1990s. In 2006, a distinct majority of Dutch voters rejected further European integration, according to the Central Bureau for Statistics (CBS).

In 2006, 55 percent of the Dutch electorate rejected further European integration, 26 percent supported it and 19 percent were undecided. In 1994, opponents (30 percent) were still outnumbered by supporters (38 percent).

Apparently, attempts to convince minors that European integration has more advantages than disadvantages are successful. “The lack of faith in Europe is obviously more widespread than in the early 1990s. With 68 percent in favour, 18 to 25-year-olds are the only age group in the Dutch population to be truly enthusiastic about Europe,” CBS said.

CBS claimed 75 percent of the Dutch electorate are satisfied with the way democracy works in the Netherlands. A minority however are satisfied with the way democracy works in the European Union. “Only 41 percent of voters trust the European Union”. This is lower than the number trusting NATO (55 percent), the Dutch parliament (60 percent) and their fellow citizens (61 percent).

Party for Freedom (PVV), ChristenUnie and Socialist Party (SP) voters are most Eurosceptical. These were the only parties to urge a ‘no’ to the European constitution, which was indeed rejected in 2005 by the Dutch in a referendum. This resulted in the Treaty of Lisbon, which the Dutch were not however allowed to speak out on.

Source: NIS News, 20 August 2008