Rediscovering Europe in the Netherlands : Towards Strengthened Legitimacy of Dutch EU Policy

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SummaryThis article discusses the presumed 'crisis of legitimacy' relating to the EU and its politics and policy in the Netherlands. Although the majority of Dutch citizens is still in favour of European integration, the rejection of the Constitutional Treaty in 2005 has shown that the exact direction and content is not always in line with their desires. Most notably, however, the particular political-administrative characteristics, which shape the dealing of EU matters in the Netherlands, are relevant in this respect. Creating a real politicised EU debate and adequate accountability mechanisms is the key challenge for Dutch politics for the coming years. National politicians, linking pins between the member states and the EU-level, should take the lead by offering diverging perspectives on the EU as a political system. Parliamentary scrutiny and co-ordination may offer tools for this, however, to genuinely involve citizens in future Dutch EU policies, initiatives should reach 'beyond the institutional'. Referenda are a powerful form to initiate public and political debate ; whereas constitutional safeguards may provide checks and balances. Whichever solutions are found, the dynamic of European integration and the social and political changes in the Netherlands demand continuous attention for European and national processes of democratic and constitutional legitimisation.