Rediscovering Europe in the Netherlands - St Antony's College ...

Following the negative 2005 referendum outcome on the eu Constitution, the
authors analyse the decreasing legitimacy of the European Union in the Netherlands.
The analysis shows that national politicians and policy makers are crucial links for
the future legitimacy of eu policies in an ever closer political Union. They may no
longer focus exclusively on output legitimacy, but must allow for citizens’ input,
accountability mechanisms and identification processes. Suggestions are made to
improve the functioning of the Dutch representative democracy in this respect, but
also to allow for ‘preferenda’ to be held on eu issues and to develop national, including
constitutional checks and balances. Lastly, the role of civil society and the news media
is analysed.
“... one of the most extensive analysis to date of the relationship between a European country
and the eu. As such, it unpacks both the long term reasons for the 2005 ‘no’ and broader
political context which led one of the most eu-friendly member states to turn against the
draft Constitution. The report also presents thoughtful, innovative and even provocative
recommendations for better embedding Europe in Dutch politics... it promotes what we can call
a ‘preferenda culture’ whereby citizens would be involved early on in major eu-related political
decisions, are encouraged to debate with the political class on specific discrete issues and are
presented with meaningful alternative options when consulted. Other eu member states
could do well to ponder the lessons of this Dutch story…”
Kalypso Nicolaïdis, Director European Studies Centre, University of Oxford
Amsterdam University Press • www.aup.nl