The Netherlands in the European Union (EU): what do we want to achieve? † ministries
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Blog entry | 29-04-2022 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The European Union (EU) is vital to our prosperity, freedom and security. The war in Ukraine makes this all the more clear. In the State of the Union 2022, the government looks back on the past year. And presents what the Netherlands wants to achieve at European level. We’ll sort it out.
Europe and the war in Ukraine
Peace in Europe has come to an end with the war in Ukraine. Rapidly and together attack EU countries on the Russian attack. With the largest sanction packages ever, and with money for emergency aid and arms supplies to Ukraine. The war has major consequences. For Ukraine, but also for the EU. Think of security in Europe, the reception of refugees and effects on the economy. And in these words we are stronger together.
The EU – now and in the future
The EU is a partnership that brings countries protection and prosperity. And a community of norms and values. Even now it shows how important that is. The government wants what we have achieved in Europe to achieve everything – and also looked to the future. The commitment is to make the EU greener, safer and politically and stronger stronger in the world. In doing so, the cabinet is responding to the proposals and ideas of the Dutch.
What do the Dutch think about the European Union? With this question, the national citizens’ dialogue started in September 2021 Look at Europe (in the context of the Conference on the Future of Europe†† The cabinet is committed to following up on the voice of the Dutch population as expressed in the citizens’ dialogues. What the Dutch want and expect from the EU is included in the State of the European Union 2022† The government also wants to get to work on this in an EU context. The Dutch believe, for example, that European cooperation should focus primarily on those that affect every person. Climate change and the environment, security and the rule of law and migration are important themes that the EU should tackle, according to the Dutch. The Dutch also ask for more transparency about how European decisions are taken. And finding the importance of European cooperation focuses on major interests, such as protecting the European economy against unfair trade. |
A strong Union of strong
The EU is important for our position in the world. Together with other countries, we put more weight on the economic and political scales than alone. It is important, however, that EU members are united and that countries do not lag behind. For example in the field of sustainable economic growth. For a strong Europe, countries must also modernize their economies and continue to do business.
It is also important that EU countries strengthen and protect their democracy and the rule of law. In a constitutional state, not only citizens, but also the government are bound by laws. Respect for democracy, the rule of law and human rights are an important foundation for the EU. That everyone adheres to the same rules is necessary for cooperation and trust between EU countries. And to take united action against threats that cannot be stopped by borders. Think, for example, of cyber attacks and terrorism.
An economy that works for the people
Europe has the largest market in the world. As a trading country, the Netherlands benefits greatly from this. For example, the EU offers many opportunities for the Dutch and the Dutch business community. It is important that the EU moves forward with other parts of the world. And is at the forefront of new technologies and sustainable solutions. How does that happen? This is described in the Commission digital strategy and the European Green deal†
We are obliged to the next generations to hand over a climate neutral, fossil-free and circular Netherlands. That is why the cabinet is committed to a sustainable society. It is important that everyone can participate. With the Suitable for 55-program to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by at least 5% by 2030 compared to 1990. In addition, we must ensure that everyone is off the European market.
The EU contributes to the prosperity and well-being of Dutch and European citizens. For example in food security and food keeping. This is all the more important because of the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine. And the blow that corona dealt to the economy and employment. For the latter, there is a European recovery fund of EUR 750 billion.
The European Union as a geopolitical player
For the Netherlands, the EU is the most important platform for foreign policy. EU countries can achieve a lot together. This was again apparent from the decisive measures in response to the Russian invasion. The Netherlands wants the EU to maintain this decisiveness. Politically and economically. An assertive stance is also needed to engage in transactions such as climate change.
A safer Europe also means a safer Netherlands. That is why the government is committed to closer cooperation in the field of security and defence. in the Strategic Compass of the EU are the new security plans for the coming years. Reinforcing more crisis management and cooperation between the EU and NATO plays an important role.
There are countries that try to oppose European unity and cooperation. The EU must be resilient to have an answer to that. By being strong economically, technologically, politically and also defensively. And to act when our rights of freedoms are violated.
The EU: in diversity United Kingdom
The EU can be an example to the world. With its technological and technological strength, it is possible to plan other countries to pursue goals and values. With a focus on sustainability, climate and human rights. That is why it is important to keep working together. ‘United in diversity’ is the motto of the European Union. Together we are stronger for a better world. And with that a more prosperous and safer Netherlands.