Appreciating THE EU
By L JUBICA GOJGIĆ ■ Photo by ZORAN PETROVI Ć
INTERVIEW
H.E. HENDRIK GERRIT CORNELIS VAN DEN DOOL AMBASSADOR OF THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS TO SERBIA
The Netherlands was one of the founding members of what is now the European Union, 60 years ago this month. It has brought us prosperity and peace. As a small country with an open economy, the Netherlands understands like no other the interdependence of us and our neighbours, as well as the benefits that cooperation can bring
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ollowing exciting parliamentary elections that resulted in victory for pro-European parties and were welcomed with great relief and encouragement in Brussels and other EU member states, H.E. Dutch Ambassador Hendrik Gerrit Cornelis van den Dool says in this interview for CorD magazine that it is important to discuss publicly all challenges facing the EU. He also insists that this controversy within the EU, which includes calls for reorganisation within the Union and calls to stop the enlargement process, should not be a cause of concern for Serbia and the countries of the region.
■ Your Excellency, following the victory of the party of Prime Minister Mark Rutte in Dutch parliamentary elections, do you believe his wish for the Netherlands to “stop the domino effect of populism” in the European Union will be realised? - It is obvious that across Europe we’re seeing traditional parties being challenged by new movements, and the relationship of Member States with the European Union becoming a topic discussed in campaigns. This is understandable, given the changes brought about by globalisation and international political developments that impact on Europe. This includes the migrant crisis 16 |
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that has also affected Serbia. It is good that these topics are being discussed in an open public debate. This is exactly what European values are about: open societies, democratic processes and freedom of expression. It is too soon to predict the precise direction of the new government, as a coalition will first have to be formed. Regardless of the composition of the new government and the outcome of the elections, stability and prosperity in the Western Balkans will remain crucial for the EU. The Netherlands, as an open economy, will also continue to benefit from improvements in the investment climate in Serbia, which are a result of reforms undertaken in the framework of EU integration.
■ Media reported that the election results sparked “relief in Brussels”. To what extent can the election results in the Netherlands actually influence the outcomes of the presidential election in France and parliamentary elections in Germany? - Countries across Europe face similar challenges, and with elections coming up in several countries there is a certain similarity in the public debates and in the solutions offered by various parties. Countries in the European Union are diverse, and the context in France and Germany dif-