Bron: Yahoo
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Dutch Voters Seen Losing Interest in EU By ARTHUR MAX, Associated Press Writer
Tue May 24, 8:33 AM ET
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - Are the Dutch tired of Europe? That will be the real question on June 1, when the Netherlands holds its referendum on the European constitution, just three days after a crucial vote on the charter in France.
Polls show voters who reject the constitution have the edge over those likely to vote "yes," and the gap is growing. But they also show a majority either won't vote or are confused by the paperback-sized document and haven't made up their minds.
"Holland is in a very inward mood. It's hiding behind the dikes," said historian Han van der Horst.
The constitution, a compilation of rules and procedures to make the 25-nation European Union easier to run after last year's historic expansion, has a wide range of detractors.
Liberals worry a stronger federal structure could infringe on their tolerant attitudes toward euthanasia, soft drugs and gay marriage. Christians complain the constitution makes no mention of God. Animal rights groups object that it exempts religious rites and cultural traditions from protecting animals.
Whatever the particular reason, the underlying motive seems to be discontent with Europe itself.
"Dutch people are not interested in Europe," said Daniel de Jongh, a volunteer for a committee campaigning against the referendum. "People felt they never really had a chance to speak out. But with this referendum, now I can say, 'Stop. No. I don't want it.'"
The government is spending $4.4 million on last-minute campaigning, saying it is confident it can still swing the vote. Government ministers have hit the streets to pass out leaflets and talk up the constitution. Mailboxes are stuffed with pro-Europe brochures, printed at taxpayer expense.
Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende even plugged the constitution during the May 8 World War II memorial attended by President Bush — remarks many criticized as inappropriate at a graveyard ceremony eulogizing American dead.
Opponents have been equally energetic. Leading the most colorful "no" campaign is Geert Wilders, a maverick lawmaker who has received death threats because of his anti-Islamic views. Escorted by dozens of guards, Wilders is on a two-week bus tour warning that further European integration could cost the Netherlands control over its tough immigration policy.
Wilders has tapped into fears that last year's admission of 10 mostly eastern European countries will undermine the Dutch standard of living. He has also capitalized on concern about Muslim Turkey's bid to become a member and on widespread disapproval of the current government. He represents the far right, but opposition here spans the political spectrum.
The Dutch referendum is not binding, though the government has pledged to abide by a "no" vote as long as the turnout is higher than 30 percent and the outcome is clear.
But if the Dutch vote "no," it would be a 180-degree turn.
Since the 1950s the Netherlands has been at the core of the European experiment. It was among the six founders of the Common Market and is the highest per capita contributor to the EU budget — a fact that caused no fuss until recently. The idea of the euro, the common currency, was promoted by the Dutch and enshrined in a treaty named for the Dutch town of Maastricht. From socialist to conservative, every government has supported a stronger union.
With just 16 million people crowded into a small land with few natural resources, the Dutch have always looked beyond their own borders. In the 17th century they built the richest empire of the day. Today, they travel often, and most speak at least one other European language. Dutch-based companies like Philips, Shell and Unilever, are brands recognized around the world.
In the half-century of Dutch engagement in Europe, this is the first time the public is being asked its opinion. Until now, decisions were handled in the traditional Dutch manner of politics: quietly, behind closed doors, by consensus.
"Europe has never been popular. It's always been a product of politicians," Van der Horst said.
The government says it welcomes the airing of views. "There has been a woolen blanket over our country for a long time," said Foreign Affairs State Secretary Atzo Nicolai, the government's point man on the referendum.
But it complains that opponents confuse the constitution with their anti-Europe sentiments or their resentment of politicians in general. "The referendum is about more than complicated procedures. It's about making Europe faster, more democratic and more transparent," Nicolai said.
While the public is split, Dutch politicians are not. The mainstream parties are in favor, warning that a "no" vote could leave their country isolated rather than a dynamic partner in a powerful world bloc.
All 25 members of the European Union must ratify the constitution. But not all EU countries carry the same weight. Some experts say if the French vote "no," the constitution is likely to die, regardless of the outcome in Holland.