The Netherlands and developments within the European Union (EU)

The EU’s core tasks

The Dutch government believes that the EU’s core tasks should be limited to areas in which it adds value, such as security, climate action and the environment. Matters like pensions, taxes, culture, education and health care should be decided on by the member states themselves. There is no need for EU legislation in these areas.

EU legislation

EU member states have their own national laws. At the same time there are many issues that go beyond national borders, in areas like law enforcement, agriculture, fisheries, transport and research. This is why the EU works to pass new laws and harmonise existing legislation.
The body of EU law has grown considerably over the years; indeed, a large proportion of Dutch law is ultimately a product of EU law. For example, if a Dutch company wants to sell biscuits in Germany, it must comply with EU food safety and labelling rules. 
In the years ahead, too, new laws will be drafted, and existing laws and rules will be amended. As a member state, the Netherlands takes part in this decision-making process, promoting its own standpoints and looking for allies to support its positions. The Netherlands considers every EU legislative proposal in the light of two central questions: does this issue belong on the European agenda, and are the EU’s proposals in line with Dutch interests?

Developments in the EU

Every year the Dutch government publishes a report entitled ‘The State of the European Union’, in which it reviews the most important developments of the past year and looks ahead to the European agenda for the coming year. In 2025 the State of the European Union covered the following themes:

• Security and defence;
• Competitiveness;
• Reducing the administrative burden and simplifying EU rules;
• the Multiannual Financial Framework; Asylum and migration; 
• Agriculture, fisheries and food.

Read more about the Dutch position on several EU policy areas. 

EU enlargement

The European Commission views enlargement as a geopolitical necessity. The Netherlands, however, is critical when it comes to EU enlargement and believes it is important to strictly uphold the accession criteria. No concessions should be made regarding the membership requirements as outlined in the Copenhagen criteria. Candidate countries progress through the accession process on the basis of their merits. Reforms in the areas of good governance, transparency and the rule of law are essential, as is the proper implementation of the body of EU law (the ‘acquis’). This is also important to safeguard the integrity of the EU single market in the context of enlargement.

The Netherlands supports reforms in candidate countries bilaterally and within the EU framework, for instance through the Ukraine Plan and the Growth Plans for Moldova and the Western Balkans. The Netherlands recognises the EU prospects of candidate countries as a driving force for reforms. This can contribute to peace, security, stability and prosperity in Europe.