Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
Rob Jetten, leader of the Dutch Democrats 66 (D66) party and a hopeful for prime minister, has called for the Netherlands to significantly reduce its use of vetoes in Brussels and actively champion deeper European Union integration. Speaking in an interview ahead of the recent Dutch national elections, Jetten emphasized the critical need for greater unity, stating that Europe faces a “dire” situation without further integration.
A Pro-European Vision
Jetten expressed a desire for the Netherlands to transition from a “no” by default stance to a “yes” to doing more together within the EU. He asserted that the Netherlands, as a founding member, should reclaim its role as a “kingmaker” in Europe, believing this position historically benefited the bloc.
The D66 leader envisions Europe transforming into a serious “democratic global power.” He argues this requires empowering the EU with the necessary authority and resources to address citizen demands, including defending against aggression, fostering economic growth, and protecting the climate.
Shifting Dutch EU Policy
Jetten’s advocacy marks a potential departure from the Netherlands’ traditional conservative approach to EU integration. Historically, the Dutch have maintained a cautious stance on treaty reform and opposed relinquishing unanimity requirements for key decisions, such as admitting new member states.
The Netherlands has also been known for its fiscally conservative position, generally opposing joint EU borrowing. A recent government, which included Euroskeptic elements, further distanced itself from Brussels on issues like migration policy, though it aligned on sanctions against Israel and military aid to Ukraine.
Democrats 66’s Electoral Momentum
Jetten’s party, Democrats 66, experienced a notable surge in popularity leading up to the elections. Projections indicated a doubling of their seats from 11 in September to 23, placing them on par with major parties like the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) and GreenLeft-Labor.
Observers attribute Jetten’s success to his optimistic campaign in a political landscape often dominated by internal disputes. His participation in a popular Dutch TV contest also increased his public visibility.
Leadership Prospects and Coalition Building
If successful, Jetten would become the Netherlands’ youngest and first openly gay prime minister. He downplayed the significance of identity politics, stating that voters were rejecting a “failed experiment with the far right” that he claims led to lost time and worsened public finances.
Jetten expressed readiness to lead if given the opportunity and emphasized the Dutch tradition of seeking cooperation among parties. He indicated a willingness to form a pro-European government focused on education, housing, and climate action, working with “all democratic forces” regardless of traditional political labels.
Outlook
Jetten’s call for deeper EU integration signals a potential shift in Dutch foreign policy, aligning the Netherlands more closely with the EU’s core objectives. The outcome of the recent elections and the formation of a new government will ultimately determine the extent to which this vision is realized, given the often unpredictable nature of Dutch polls.
