Postcard from the Hague

On Jan. 1^st, 2016, the Netherlands took over the Presidency of the European Union. This will last for 6 months – and comes at a very important time for the United Kingdom. On Feb. 18^th/19^th, there will a European Council meeting at which David Cameron hopes to have the package of reforms agreed that he will then put to the British people in a referendum, as early as the end of 2016.

There has always been a special relationship between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom – David Cameron and Mark Rutte, minister-president of the Netherlands are said to be close personal friends. There is a close relationship also between the Dutch and the British peoples – and the Dutch very much want the United Kingdom to remain in the EU. There is a very real sense that the Dutch and the British can support each other when it comes to arguments against what are sometimes seen as the bigger, more aggressively ‘European’ countries of Germany and France.

And the Dutch love the British – on the whole. This may not extend to the British stag parties that often seem to frequent Amsterdam – and who keep the Consulate there busy with emergency travel documents needed just before travel home – but the Dutch love the English language, British history, and food and drink from across the Channel. They are very much hoping that Britain does not leave the EU – as this would potentially leave the Dutch isolated and vulnerable.

The main challenges over the next 6 months – notwithstanding the UK referendum – are seen to be migration and security, and the economies of EU countries. Multi-disciplinary task forces have been set up to share information on counter-terrorism – and the embassy has a migration task force – and the UKTI department of the embassy looks at maximising British exports to the Netherlands, and Dutch investment in the UK.

The Dutch would share many of the same concerns as the British re migration, and the integration of refugees. While many here are very sympathetic and welcoming, others would be very protective of Dutch housing, jobs and welfare. There have been riots in one or two towns around the Netherlands by those opposed to refugees moving into their area. This tension is being encouraged by Geert Wilders, leader of the political party, PVV (Party for Freedom). Wilders has created alliances with the National Front in France, with Belgium’s Flemish Interest, and has held talks with Nigel Farage of UKIP. The PVV advocates greater border controls, less immigration, and ultimately departure of the Netherlands from the EU.

The Hague is very much at the centre of all that will be taking place in the 6 months. There has been extensive briefing of London-based colleagues that has already taken place, and the embassy is gearing itself up to host many ministers and officials from the UK, and to being involved in many meetings that will be taking place in Amsterdam.

It promises to be a busy time – and one that could shape the future of both the EU and the UK for generations to come.

About the author

For the last three years, Andrew Gready has been chaplain to the Anglican Church in The Hague. Before this, we were in Cape Town, South Africa – he has spent 25 years of my life in Southern Africa, and 25 years in the UK. He is married to Marion, who is a nurse, and they have three sons in different parts of the world. Throughout his ministry, he has sought to bring together church and community – he has been involved in various chaplaincy ministries in the areas where he has served. He is a bit of a sports fanatic, find gardening very therapeutic, and is currently studying for a Masters through Cranmer Hall, Durham.