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Dutch Prime Minister Schoof does not ask for vice president in European Commission

by AI | 09.Jul 2024 | Europe in brief AI

The new Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof wants a meaningful portfolio for the Netherlands in the next European Commission. But the next Dutch Commissioner does not necessarily have to become vice-president, says Schoof after his first visit to Brussels.

The new prime minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof, was on his first working visit to Brussels. Photo: Ramon Van Flymen/ANP/dpa

BRUSSELS (ANP) – The new Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, during a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, indicated that the Netherlands is not aiming for the vice-presidency of the Commission. “After Mr. Timmermans’ heavy vice-presidency, it is not realistic to expect the Netherlands to get another heavy vice-presidency,” said Schoof after several talks in Brussels.

Frans Timmermans was vice-president of the European Commission until he went to lead the GroenLinks-PvdA faction in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands does want a meaningful portfolio, but Schoof did not say which portfolio he is considering. For the new Dutch cabinet, among other things, migration and agriculture are of great importance. “But today I also clearly indicated the lower limit,” said Schoof. “Namely, no portfolios that are, shall we say, less significant here in Europe.” He did not want to name any examples.

Although Monday was an initial meeting, Schoof and Von der Leyen already went through the extensive wish list of the Dutch ruling parties PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB. “We have a number of issues on which we really want consultations with the European Union. Specifically, when it comes to grip on migration and perspective for agriculture in particular,” Schoof said. The Netherlands also wants to contribute less financially to the European Union.

Von der Leyen, according to Schoof, did not respond substantively. “We went through all these issues, and then there is the friendly nod and understanding,” said Schoof. According to him, it is known in Europe that these are important points for the Netherlands. The Netherlands will continue to take a constructive stance, the prime minister emphasized in Brussels.

“We fight for the interests of the Netherlands, but we do this in connection with Europe.” Schoof also said this to the Dutch parliament. “We will fight 100 percent, but we do not guarantee 100 percent results, but we do guarantee 100 percent effort.”

Schoof also had a meeting with EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Charles Michel of the European Council, the chairman of meetings of European heads of government, on Monday.

According to Schoof, the discussions were useful, about problems that are not only in the Netherlands, but also elsewhere in Europe, such as grip on migration and the perspective for the agricultural sector. “There is really room to have a conversation about this.”

(July 8, 2024)