Opinion | Social security for Dutch people starts abroad

In the run-up to the elections, it was mainly about the social security of Dutch people. Will I still be able to meet my living costs in the future? Will I ever have a chance of owning my own home again? Can we still handle the migration flow? Will healthcare remain affordable? Will it be possible to achieve the climate objectives? In debates about this it seemed, or at least the impression was given, that we always have control over how the problems can be tackled or their consequences can be mitigated.

It was forgotten to mention that many of these social security issues have their origin abroad and that part of the solution may also lie there. Conflicts elsewhere in the world trigger flows of refugees. Excessive energy bills with consequences for the cost of living and high inflation are a direct result of the war in Ukraine.

Recent past

Without international cooperation there can be no resolution or prevention of conflicts, no proper approach to asylum and migration without consultation with European partners and no climate objectives without international agreements. And without agreements with allies, there are no guarantees for our security.

That is why there is no social security for the Dutch if that of the Netherlands cannot first be guaranteed. We only have to look at the recent past to see what awaits us in the near future. The conflict in Ukraine is dragging on, the war between Israel and Hamas and its possible escalation could still have far-reaching consequences. And this against the background of the uncertain presidential elections in the United States in November 2024. The outcome will determine the further course of the war in Ukraine, the war in Israel, and the US’s relations with Europe, including the other NATO countries and with China – including the Taiwan issue.

If the Netherlands abandons international cooperation, the social security of the country and its population is at stake

Will there be additional conflicts or are we trying to resolve existing conflicts? Will there be more refugee flows and will sanctions cause shortages of raw materials and energy with consequences for international trade? It is uncertain to say the least.

The direct influence of the Netherlands on all of this is extremely limited and can only be exercised in an international context by making a clear voice heard in the European Union, NATO and the UN. Only in this way can we work on our social security and that of the Dutch. International cooperation is required more than ever for almost all major issues. The Netherlands cannot and should not be left out. Then you are putting the livelihoods of the country and its population at risk.

Cautious attitude

It is at least unfortunate that the Netherlands, especially in these difficult times, is in caretaker status and has to wait a while for a new government. There will now be a wait-and-see and cautious attitude after the elections by key foreign partners, including those in the EU and NATO. In some cases, the shutters will be closed a bit for fear that the Netherlands will no longer prove to be the reliable partner that it used to be.

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We have that in our own hands. The condition is that it is recognized that it is vital for the Netherlands to continue to play a constructive role internationally. If not, we will hang a cordon sanitary around our necks.

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