“FT”: outcome of the referendum in the Netherlands on an agreement with Ukraine a warning to the EU – Gazeta Wyborcza

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The result of the referendum, in which the Dutch were against the association agreement EU-Ukraine should be treated not only as a "no" for a rapprochement with Kiev, but also as an expression of disapproval for the Union - writes on Thursday commentator "Financial Times ".

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                          
 

                 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

         

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According to preliminary results of Wednesday's referendum that voted against the agreement 61 percent. voters. But what draws attention to the London newspaper columnist Tony Barber turnout was 32 per cent., Which, as the conditions of the Dutch is the result of very weak. According to the commentator will remain in the home of many Dutch citizens was a conscious choice.

Barber believes that the outcome of the referendum shows the "degree of social dissatisfaction with the quality of democracy and accountability in the EU." Columnist "FT" stresses that "dissatisfaction with the EU rooted in one of the six founding countries (the Community)." It indicates that similar sentiments are beginning to reign in France and Italy.

The commentator argues that on Wednesday the referendum should look also for the June vote in the UK. Barber believes that "the Dutch vote is a reminder to all who are looking for a UK referendum scheduled for June 23, in which citizens will be consulted about staying or leaving the EU." In his opinion, the results in the Netherlands shows that "direct democracy is inherently unpredictable."

"Just like many Dutch has not taken a decision (did not take part in the referendum - PAP) on the agreement between the EU and Ukraine, so you may find that many Britons go to the polls in June, commenting on the government David Cameron, or on many other issues, not just on the same British future in the EU "- emphasizes Barber forecasting that in contrast to the Netherlands' attendance in Britain will certainly be much higher."

Referring to the essence of the Dutch referendum Barber estimates that it illustrates the sentiment among Eurosceptics who oppose further enlargement of the Community. It also shows that the vote was closely watched by the Russian authorities. According to the commentator, "FT", "the way the referendum described the state Russian media shows that the Kremlin hoped that the results (of voting) disparages the EU in the eyes of Ukrainians as an unreliable partner." However, the low turnout meant that "Russia hopes remained largely unfulfilled," - adds Barber.

Despite the non-binding nature of the vote Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Wednesday evening that it will ignore the result and his government may reconsider the question of ratification of the association agreement the EU and Ukraine. He added that it will take time to determine what the decision will be taken. "FT" recalls, however, that in order for an association agreement with Ukraine stopped working need a unanimous decision by all EU member states, not just the Netherlands.

         

         

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