Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of Dutch citizens want the government to focus less on international concerns and more on domestic issues. While they understand the necessity of international cooperation for a small trading nation like the Netherlands, they feel the government is overcommitted, particularly in asylum and climate policies.
This sentiment is captured in a study by the Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP), which summarizes the perspective as ‘Us first, then others.’ Most Dutch citizens do not wish to leave the EU or NATO but believe the current balance is skewed. They feel domestic issues, such as housing shortages and high energy prices, have been neglected.
Some blame international policies for local problems, citing EU nitrogen regulations affecting Dutch farmers. A similar sentiment was observed in past research in 2011 and 2018.
SCP researcher Josje den Ridder notes that previously, the PVV had influence in government through support from the VVD and CDA, and most recently performed well in elections with a focus on prioritizing Dutch citizens. Concerns about international security have increased, especially due to the war in Ukraine, with almost 70 percent supporting equal defense contributions as other European nations.
Den Ridder highlights the struggle to find a balance between domestic and foreign policies, exemplified by politicians like Caroline van der Plas of BBB, who advocate for strong national stances in Brussels but face complex realities.
Source: NOS