There is currently no way in which the Netherlands will deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. “There is no discussion of deliveries, there are no requests either,” Prime Minister Rutte said on an alternative clash with French President Macron. He came to The Hague for consultation.

Like Macron, Rutte believes that there are no taboos in supporting Ukraine to win the war with Russia. “But it would really be a very big next step when it comes,” Rutte said about supplying fighter jets.

Several Western countries have recently pledged to supply main battle tanks to Kiev countries. Also the Leopard 2 tanks that the Netherlands could go from Germany.

President Zelensky also asked for Western warplanes in a video message last week. Macron and Rutte recorded tonight, so very enclosed in the cry of the heart.

The French president and the Dutch prime minister spoke for about 45 minutes in the Trêves room. Afterwards, they mainly radiated unity and probably the good relationship between the two countries. “That bond is extra important, I may say indispensable, because of the war in Ukraine,” said Rutte.

Warm hands were shaken and pats on the back were exchanged by both men. Rutte had reserved a table for his guest in the successful Indonesian restaurant De Poentjak, near the Binnenhof.

View Rutte’s kind words here:

During the discussion prior to the dinner, two major themes were on the agenda: the increasing migration flow to Europe and the competitive position of European industry against that of the US. The Netherlands and France broadly agree on both, Macron and Rutte emphasized.

Rutte is looking for support in Europe for a stronger migration policy. For example, he will ensure that European border control improves and that asylum seekers are received in the country where they arrive. “We are in broad agreement on that,” said the prime minister.

Macron said the EU must prevent the asylum system from being abused. “We have to improve the system to keep it.” The subject is also on the agenda of the European Council, the Assembly of the Heads of Government, on 9 February.

Rutte does not expect final decisions to be made there yet. “It is important that we take steps there, but it will not be ready yet.”

The two countries are also approaching each other about the European response to the support that the US government gives to its own business for greening, the Inflation Reduction Act. This may have consequences for the competitiveness of European industry.

Macron therefore wants to create a counterpart to a European fund of 380 billion euros. According to Rutte, there is still a lot of money available in various European pots that must first be used. Still, he will also address the “unintended consequences” of US state aid.