The outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict has profoundly changed the geopolitical landscape of many European countries, and has also had a significant impact on the political structure of EU member states. With populist tendencies rising across the EU and far-right parties gaining mainstream influence, the Netherlands is likely to have a far-right leaning in this year's elections, which is a huge challenge for the EU. The resignation of the Dutch prime minister brought the election into its final stages, with Rutte's Freedom Party (PVV) winning a staggering 35 seats, 10 more than the Labour and Greens coalition. However, while the Liberal Party won the most seats in the election, it is not surprising that due to its "bad reputation", it is likely that no other party will want to form a government with it, or at least it will need to last six months. During the election campaign, Wilders, the leader of the Liberal Party, called Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban an "icon" and was very disgusted with the European Union, saying that he would overturn the EU's immigration policy and "no longer recognize any refugee obligations" when he came to power, and even called for a referendum on leaving the EU if necessary. He also said that the Netherlands would cut off any ** supplies to Ukraine and expressed opposition to Ukraine's accession to the European Union. Analysts believe that no matter how Wilders comes to power, even if he cannot become the new prime minister, he can at least hold an important position in the new **, which is a huge threat to the EU.
The surprise of the Dutch election results worries high-level EU officials. Over the past few years, the rise of far-right parties in several European countries has attracted the attention of the European Union. Right-wing parties in Italy, Sweden, Slovakia and other countries have won the first place in the parliament and occupied a seat in parliament, while right-wing parties in Germany, France and other countries are also gradually growing. The performance of the Dutch Freedom Party was even more impressive, winning 35 seats in the election and becoming the number one force in parliament. For the EU, this result means another major change in the European political landscape, which may have a greater impact on EU decision-making and policy.
The policy position of Liberal Party leader Wilders is considered far-right. He is opposed to immigration and Islam, advocates a reversal of the EU's immigration policy, and says he no longer recognizes any refugee obligations. He also advocated that the Netherlands should retain the right to self-defense and opposed any aid to Ukraine. Regarding Ukraine's proposal to join the EU, Wilders said that the EU does not need any new member states. These positions are clearly at odds with EU policy and could trigger disagreements and frictions between the EU and the Netherlands.
The rise to power of the far right in the Netherlands could have some impact on the EU. First, there is a possibility that the Netherlands' assistance to Ukraine will be reduced or even interrupted, which will lead to greater difficulties for Ukraine in international affairs. Second, the Netherlands' hardline stance could have an impact on decision-making and policymaking within the EU, and the Netherlands could hinder EU decision-making on migration, enlargement, and foreign policy. In addition, the Netherlands, Hungary, Slovakia and other countries may form a small circle against the EU, further weakening the EU's cohesion and influence. This is undoubtedly a serious challenge for the European Union, which is currently facing a difficult situation.
In the face of the rise of far-right parties in many European countries, the EU has reserved some coping strategies. For years, the EU has tried to limit the implementation of its policies by putting pressure on dissenting member states. After the election of Italy's right-wing prime minister last year, the European Union threatened to control its policy decisions by limiting the disbursement of funds to Italy. However, if more than half of the EU's member states oppose the Commission's decisions and do not obey the EU's course in the future, the EU may face the risk of collapse. Therefore, the EU needs to be more prudent in its relations with the Netherlands and find effective coping strategies to safeguard the overall interests and stability of the EU.
The Netherlands could usher in a far-right**, which is a serious challenge for the EU. Liberal leader Wilders has a tough policy stance, criticizing the EU's immigration policy and advocating a more conservative position on Ukraine. The coming to power of the far right in the Netherlands may have a greater impact on the EU's decision-making and policy, and even weaken the EU's cohesion and influence. The EU needs to take measures to deal with this situation in order to safeguard the overall interests and stability of the EU. At the same time, the election results in the Netherlands also reflect the concerns of the European people about immigration and economic development, which should also attract the attention of all countries** and the European Union. It is only by finding ways to address these issues that Europe can better respond to the challenges and dilemmas it currently faces.