NETHERLANDS: PM Reaches Compromise In Warring Gov't: Abstention On ReArm Europe
Amid an intra-coalition disagreement over European Commission plans to utilise E150bln in loans for joint procurement of European-made military equipment, PM Dick Schoof has come up with the compromise that until the full details of the ReArm Europe plan are finalised, the Dutch gov't will abstain on any European Council vote related to the programme of loans.
- Three of the four governing parties voted in favour of an opposition motion rejecting the scheme (see 'NETHERLANDS: PM Convenes Emergency Gov't Meeting Amid Splits Over ReArm Europe' 1408GMT, 13 March), with proposer Joost Eerdmans arguing there is a "real risk" that wealthier EU nations will end up paying for "weak countries like France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal,".
- AD reports "According to Schoof, the cabinet will 'partly implement, partly not' that motion. In Brussels, he will argue that the Dutch share in EU loans[...] should only be 'temporary and targeted', with 'guarantees for debt sustainability and financial stability'."
- There is no single vote set for ReArm Europe at present. European Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius and High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas will present a white paper intended to give more detail to the plan to EU leaders on ReArm Europe ahead of the 20-21 March EUCO summit.
- A Dutch abstention would not derail any vote on its own. Under Article 235 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, "Abstentions by members present in person or represented shall not prevent the adoption by the European Council of acts which require unanimity."
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