Dutch election upset: implications for the EU amid PVV victory

The Dutch daily newspaper, "De Telegraaf", suggests the recent outcomes of the Dutch parliamentary elections could prove problematic for the European Union. The anti-Islamic Party for Freedom (PVV) emerged victorious in the election.

Specifically, the newspaper highlights the potential exit of the Netherlands from the European Union, coined as 'Nexit', which reportedly sends shivers down spines in Brussels. Despite this, "De Telegraaf" maintains that Nexit is unrealistic, given that apart from PVV, no significant political group endorses such a measure.

However, Brussels officials might be apprehensive of a more critical stance from the newly formed cabinet towards the EU, especially if Wilders succeeds in establishing a governing coalition. A potential coalition partner could be Pieter Omtzigt's New Social Contract (NSC), which advocates for a more assertive defense of the Netherlands' interests within the EU, drawing inspiration from Hungary and Poland.

The country's largest newspaper predicts even more excitement in the coming month.

"De Telegraaf" notes that as soon as the new lower house of parliament is formed, a debate preparing for the key EU summit on increased financial contributions for Brussels, EU expansion, and more flexible European budget rules will take place. These are three contentious subjects where the Netherlands may exercise its veto power.

The newspaper also asserts that the Netherlands need not fear isolation from Brussels, as an increasing number of EU member states are shifting to the right. "There's a feeling of change in the air as more and more EU countries favour right-wing parties in parliamentary elections," the newspaper highlighted.

The European Commission traditionally refrains from commenting on election results in its member states. However, when questioned whether Brussels fears Nexit, the spokesperson for Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responded on Thursday, saying "As one of the founding members of the EU, we continue to rely on the strong contribution of the Netherlands to the EU".