Pro-EU parties to form government after Dutch elections

Dutch nationalists failed to secure enough votes to form a coalition government despite gaining more support in parliamentary elections held on March 15, paving the way for a pro-EU Cabinet. The Party for Freedom, led by Geert Wilders, earned 20 seats in the House of Representatives, finishing second to the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy, led by Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who helped stave off a nationalist victory with his recent decision to block a Turkish political rally.

The Freedom and Democracy result of 33 seats was eight less than the 2012 vote, while the Party for Freedom gained eight seats to 20. However, it’s highly likely Rutte’s party will form the coalition with other centrist parties. A total of 13 parties qualified for parliament.

Zenon Zawada: With a pro-EU coalition government highly likely in the Dutch parliament, the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement will be approved by the Dutch Senate. Afterwards, it’s certain to be approved by the EU Council. The agreement’s approval is more of a symbolic victory since Ukraine has already begun to implement the conditions of EU Association. Moreover, the agreement overcame it biggest hurdle when it was approved by the Dutch House last month, without any amendments.