Dutch call for protection of national interests within EU

Mar 21, 2007, 12:15 GMT

The Hague - The Netherlands want to ensure strong protection for national interests in any changes to the EU Constitution, reports said Wednesday.

The Dutch cabinet outlined this position Tuesday evening in a text aimed at the parliamentary debate on the EU Constitution in The Hague.

The EU constitution was rejected by the Netherlands in an referendum in 2005 and cannot be salvaged in its current form, according to Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende.

However, there is pressure from the German presidency to trying to save as much of it as possible.

According to government in The Hague, the existing EU treaty does not fulfil its conditions and essential changes have to sustain the principles of subsidiarity and democratic control.

According to the statement, the Dutch cabinet wants an improved, more democratic Europe, but is opposed to a 'super-state'.

It should have the ability to carry out well-defined tasks and a have a greater influence on national parliaments, says the text.

European regulations must not handicap socio-political arrangements on a national basis and the quality of services offered by the state, the Netherland government said.

Pensions, social security, taxes, culture, education and health care were all national matters, it said.

EU matters would include energy, environment, climate, asylum and migration, economic competitiveness as well as combating terrorism, cross-border crime and a joint foreign policy.