STRASBOURG (ANP) – “This vote in the House of Representatives is disgraceful and has brought embarrassment to the Netherlands on the international stage,” stated Thijs Reuten of GroenLinks-PvdA. “The PVV, NSC, and BBB are once again sidelining our country while abandoning the prime minister.”
During last Thursday’s emergency EU summit focused on defense and Ukraine, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof voiced his support for the proposal put forth by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. However, the House of Representatives narrowly voted against her EU rearmament initiative on Tuesday.
The VVD faction in the European Parliament criticized this withdrawal of support, labeling it as irresponsible. They argue that both Schoof and the Netherlands are being marginalized as a result, echoing similar sentiments from the VVD factions in both the European and Dutch Houses of Representatives.
“This behavior from these parties is irresponsible, particularly at a time when we must present a united front,” remarked CDA faction leader Tom Berendsen on X. “All of Europe is looking to take essential steps forward to ensure our own security.” He stressed, “Now is the time to prioritize the common good rather than clinging to personal beliefs.”
“In the Kremlin, there is cause for celebration again, since Europe undermines itself with decisions like those made by the House of Representatives,” commented Reinier van Lanschot, leader of Volt. He highlighted the critical need for unity, stating, “We should not wait for conflict to unite Europe; we must unite to prevent it.”
D66 faction leader Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy also criticized the House of Representatives for being “totally out of touch” by rejecting additional funding for Europe’s defense. He noted that this stance contradicts the majority of Dutch citizens who support collective investment in defense initiatives.
A significant majority in the European Parliament shares this perspective, as revealed during a debate earlier on Tuesday.
(March 11, 2025)
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