Introduction to European elections
Residents of all member states directly choose their representation in the European elections European Union. This means that you - and all other EU residents - can vote for a national political party. Sixteen parties participate in the Netherlands. In the European Parliament, these parties are part of one of eight European political groups. These groups are not formed by nationality but by political colour. For example, the CDA is in the European People's Party, the Green Left in the Greens/European Free Alliance and D66 and VVD in Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe.
The eight groups are:
- Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe
- Europe of Nations and Freedom
- Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy
- European United Left/Nordic Green Left
- European Conservatives and Reformists
- European People's Party
- Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats
- Greens/European Free Alliance
How does it work within the EU?
Within the EU, there are three main bodies: the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of the European Union. We briefly explain how these work and relate to each other.
The European Parliament consists of members who have joined one of the eight political groups in the parliament. Members of the European Parliament are elected by the people of the EU. These members in turn elect the members of the European Commission (EC). The EC consists of euro commissioners. These commissioners each have their own portfolio and make legislative proposals. These bills go to the European Parliament. Parliament reviews the bills and makes adjustments. Then the Parliament and the Council of the European Union together decide on the submitted proposal.
Expectations upcoming elections
According to recent polls, turnout will be high this time (>50%). The gap between opponents (a quarter want to leave) and supporters of the EU is wide and there are also different views. More than half of the Dutch are dissatisfied with the EU's current course. The VVD, Forum for Democracy and Green Left seem set to become the largest parties in the Netherlands.
Expected number of seats of Dutch parties in the EU:
EU positions of the Dutch parties
The majority of parties agree that commuting between Brussels and Strasbourg should stop. Also, all EU members should be transparent on subsidies (only the Netherlands is transparent on this). Points of discussion between the Dutch parties include the central tax system (proponents for this and opponents -they prefer a decentralised tax system) and national vetoes (these should be taken unanimously, opponents find that inefficient).
Other views expressed by the Dutch parties are:
₁: Party wants euro split into northern and southern currency
₂: Party wants out of European Union/euro
₃: Subject to conditions
₄: Party wants Commission abolished
Source: Business Insider 25 Jan 2017
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