Netherlands Pursues Opt-Out from EU Migration Regulations

By Charlotte Van Campenhout

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – The right-wing government of the Netherlands announced on Wednesday its intention to opt out of the European Union’s migration rules in the event of future renegotiations of the bloc’s core treaties, despite such negotiations being unlikely in the near term.

Since taking office in July, the government led by Geert Wilders’ nationalist and anti-Islam PVV party has expressed a desire to restrict unwanted migration and aims to establish what it terms the "strictest-ever asylum regime" with enhanced border controls and more stringent regulations for incoming asylum-seekers.

Immigration remains a contentious topic in the Netherlands, mirroring trends across the EU, and the PVV’s firm stance on the issue is a significant factor behind its growing popularity.

"I just informed the European Commission that I want a migration opt-out for the Netherlands within Europe," declared Marjolein Faber, the PVV Minister for Asylum and Migration, on social media. "We need to regain control of our own asylum policy!" Her words echoed similar immigration-focused slogans previously heard in the UK and other regions.

However, Faber’s official communication to the European Commission reveals a more cautious approach, indicating that the Netherlands is not seeking an immediate opt-out from the EU’s recently established immigration pact, which took years to negotiate and came into effect in June. Instead, the government seeks a future opportunity to do so.

"This government aims to significantly reduce the inflow of migrants to the Netherlands," Faber stated, adding that they "will advocate for an opt-out from the European asylum and migration framework in the case of treaty amendments."

Wilders remarked in parliament, "I realize this process may take time, but it signals a new direction."

NO CHALLENGE TO EXISTING MIGRATION PACT

Currently, significant changes to EU treaties are not anticipated.

Faber made it clear that the Netherlands plans to follow the existing pact, describing it as "essential" for managing the influx of migrants. The European Commission responded affirmatively, noting its expectation that there wouldn’t be changes to asylum rules soon and appreciating Faber’s commitment to uphold the existing regulations.

Under the pact, each EU member state will be allocated a share of the 30,000 asylum-seekers expected to be accepted annually, proportionate to its economy and population. Rights groups have criticized this figure, asserting it is too low based on irregular border crossings and rescue operations.

Countries unwilling to host incoming asylum-seekers will instead be required to support those that are willing through personnel, resources, or financial assistance.

Data indicates that in 2023, the Netherlands received two first-time asylum applications per 1,000 residents, close to the EU average, with ten member states experiencing a higher ratio. However, the country’s sole registration center for asylum-seekers, following several years of budget cuts, often faces significant strain and has sometimes forced hundreds to sleep outdoors.

Wilders has expressed his desire for the Netherlands to be less appealing to asylum-seekers, suggesting that "people in Africa and the Middle East will start to consider they may be better off elsewhere."

The coalition government has also indicated a desire to restrict labor migration and is preparing to implement stricter guidelines for foreign students wishing to study at Dutch universities.